Archive for August 2018

Home Archive for August 2018

Saving the best till the end of the month..

... yes, sneaking in at the last minute, is my monthly edit for M&S (a paid partnership I have every month).

I've been holding off on this until we've had some proper Autumnal weather. And we're sort of getting there - it's that old conundrum - we want to wear all the new A/W clothes but we want to have all the good weather though. ARGGHH!

However, I've found - hopefully - some transitional options that work perfectly for now.

As per usual - I've had my little try on session in M&S. And then this time, I've come home, gone to order things and ended up with a completely different lot! I have done my usual selfie videos (also known as Insta Stories - duh me - over on Instagram) which hopefully give a little more context to the outfits. Most of which are ridiculously self explanatory!

First up - it's all about the knitwear.

And starting with my favourite. This is sublime. It's not too itchy (believe me, some of them available right now are a total scratch fest), it's a great shape.

Now. SLIGHT fly in the ointment... they don't have it online yet in the pink. SORRY!!!!

But it's still lovely in the ochre and I will post AS SOON AS I CAN when it comes online in the pink.

Textured Funnel Neck Jumper £35 in Ochre

In the pink. And don't ask about the jeans as I found them in store and didn't realise they're old stock. Going REALLY well this month, isn't it??! Hang on - better stuff coming...

This is the large. I prefer it slightly oversized but do bear in mind that I am an avatar at 5ft10.

And when I say better stuff.. VOILA!!

Animal Print Jumper in Oatmeal Mix £35

This is the Medium.

This shade though - with an outfit of grey and black. Transitional perfection...

Animal Print Jumper in Pink £35

This is the large - I actually think the medium is a better fit for me.

The one I had on the blog the other day...

Colour Block Round Neck Jumper £32.50

But the we come onto the dresses. Now I teamed this with the chunky buckle boots as - as I say on my stories, it's more of "it's a hard knock life for me" as opposed to "little house on the prairie". Which I am very, very much feeling. It's a drop waist dress - I tried on the 8 which is rather too fitted.

Check over on stories as you really need to see the sleeves in "action"!

Long Sleeve Shirt maxi dress from M&S £45

To be fair, you can get a good idea of the sleeves here. Perfection in an arm (especially a covered arm, when you get to 45).

So again, I tried this on with the chunkier boots (I had envisaged teaming it with a trench or a biker) but I will say I do think I might prefer with the knee high boots here...

Floral Print Long Sleeve Maxi Shirt Dress £45

And in the black mix... again £45

These are the boots that I wore...

Leather Buckle Detail Ankle Boots £75 in black or burgundy - I went burgundy...

But these are the long boots that they're sporting in these pics, which I really wish I'd tried! Next month...

Block Heel Knee Boots in Black £49.50

And in the burgundy again £49.50

Leaving the best till last though...

Limited Edition 3/4 Sleeve Tea Dress in Green £45

This is me in the 12. I do like the looseness of it, being tall - it sits better on my waist.

However. I then came home to do some ordering online and got SUPER carried away. I very nearly bought this jacket yesterday, tried it on - thought it was very familiar and realised that I have almost the identical one from last year (from M&S!). And so I didn't get it as mine is still completely perfect.

Autograph Single Breasted Blazer £99

And then.. call off all the dogs. I saw these and ordered them STRAIGHT away. These have my name all over them. Trousers that you can wear for pretty much every occasion you can think of. Done. No, they're not cheap - they're most certainly a pair of investment trews but when you think of the versatility and the cost per wear (sequin jumper, heels and that's your Christmas Day outfit right there - not to mention, lace top, heeled sock boots and you've got all your parties covered too).

Autograph Straight Leg Leather Trousers £199

Then finally - from an investment purchase to the most canny purchase of the month so far. I have worn these since I bought them instore yesterday and have had about 100 messages asking me where they're from/are they D&G. NO!!!

The secret is out. Tempted to buy two pairs in case I scratch or lose one (highly likely).

M&S Collection Round Glasses £17.50

And here I am - in the blazer from last year (from M&S) which is virtually identical to the one above, so, like I said I didn't buy it as mine still serves me perfectly well. I can also highly highly recommend it, in that case.

With the glasses and the trousers..

And a close up of the glasses. Which are BLOOMING AMAZING. I am going to throw it out there that it says "glitter" but they're really not toddler style GLITTER but more a texture. Phew.

Off to get changed as out for the evening. Actually do you know what - I'm just going to change my top and keep the jacket and trousers on. Hope everyone has had a good week (I did spend most of today thinking it was Friday...) and don't forget to look on Stories on Instagram for more info.

This blog was written as part of my paid monthly partnership with M&S. All thoughts are my own and are written unedited.

It's a quick make up one

A brief one today - essentially because at the minute, I'm wearing much make up.

Over on Insta stories, I have been asked many times, what make up I use.

Well - the short answer is, it varies BUT there definitely has been a theme to my routine for this holiday. There is also a reason I think why I'm able to wear less make up which I'll bring you in the next week or so but suffice to say, it's worth waiting for..

In the meantime however, a quick run down of what I am loving and - more importantly - am very happy with. Some of these I have had given to me from Press Days and from paid partnerships but lots I have bought.

First up - eyeliner.

I think the key to the no make up make up look has been eyeliner that does the job but doesn't look like you're wearing any. Clear as mud? THIS works. It's the only eyeliner I've ever used that enables you to do a super thin line, that isn't a liquid eyeliner. Which I am waaaaay too incompetent to use.

This is more like a felt tip pen. I use it on its side and dot it directly between my eye lashes on the top of my eye.

Max Factor Masterpiece Precision Liquid Eyeliner £8.99

Eyebrows. I recently had my eyebrows threaded at Blink Brow Bar at Liberty's and she then filled them with one of their new products. Which I immediately bought.

Ultimate Arch Definer in Chai £22 This is a very light brown/dark blonde - I would usually go darker but I have learnt from a couple of experts recently that with eyebrows, also go a shade lighter than you would expect. And it works!

Mascara - I am a huge fan of all Max Factor mascaras but currently I am absolutely loving a Bobbi Brown one that I was sent. It. Is. Amazing. Yes, it's a treat at this price but seeing as I'm wearing so little other make up, I will definitely purchase when it runs out.

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara £24.50

BUT I think the most important thing when it comes to my lashes - and one of the reasons I'm able to wear so little make up - is down to a product I'm mentioned many times - Revitalash.

Currently 20% off everything online with the code ROYAL20.

Revitalash Advanced 2ml £74

Then onto the cheeks where I do spend a little more time. First up - two blushers. Cream versions so you can really blend well (I actually apply with my fingers and then finish with a brush...).

The pinkier one I put on the apples of my cheeks and the copper version, I place slightly higher up my cheekbone. And then blend the two. Trust me - it works and if I can do it, anyone can! Bespoke blush right there.

Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush £6.99 in soft pink Again on the 3 for 2 offer.

Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in soft copper £6.99

Max Factor Miracle Glow Illuminator in Medium £10.99 (3 for 2 on Boots at the moment)

Moving onto lips. I have become rather obsessed with lipsticks. I have actually turned into my mother and feel naked if I don't wear any. However she was very much a fan of the bright lipstick, whereas I do tend to live in my comfort zone of nudes and pinky browns.

Matte Art Stick from Bobbi Brown £20 complete with sharpener £22 in Bare

Tom Ford Beauty in Otranto £39 This is actually a sheer Moisturecore lipstick and I am on my second in three years. I LOVE this. It's the perfect every day lippie, it feels more like a balm but with a colour that stays on longer than most balms.

So head over to Insta stories for vids and close ups of my make up. Today has just been so manic - I did mean to do a selfie but holidays, boys, work, teenagers, a tutor and a dog meant I didn't get a spare min.

Instead, I am leaving you with my outfit from yesterday. I had bought this dress - yes, the leopard coat is indeed a tuxedo style dress - a couple of months ago from ASOS for a reduced price of £24. It hasn't seen the light of day as a dress but it really is the perfect jacket!

Tee - Isabel Marant from My Theresa (ss17)
Jeans - Frame Denim from Fenwick of Bond Street (sale aw17)
Jacket - ASOS (sale ss18)
Loafers - Gucci (2yrs ago)
Bag - APC from Coggles (3yrs ago)
Sunglasses - Chloe from Very Exclusive (ss18)

Tomorrow is my London work day so will be out from the crack of dawn to a dinner in the evening. Sporting my minimal make up look... can't wait to hear what you think!

Did someone say Autumn?

I swear I heard someone just say that.... and if you didn't, I'm calling it.

Which means jumpers. Well - it doesn't by any "actual" definition but in my book it means that it's now time to put away the bikinis and get out those jumpers.

Although, to be fair, it's a rather all encompassing subject (in fact I could probably have this as my specialist subject in Mastermind) and so we can break it down into easily processable pieces.

I don't want you to think that these are just for the depths of winter when it's super chilly, they are much more wearable than you would probably think. First up - they're perfect to wear now as an alternative to a jacket over a dress - or fling over a tee and wear with dresses, jeans or trousers.

But to keep the Summer spirit alive, we're talking bright stripes. Continuing the theme of clashing prints, we're doing striped jumpers first up this season.

First up - one of my favourites. These sleeves. Enough said. 20% off with the code Y2M9.

Muriel jumper from Boden £65

Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper £130 Use code above again!

M&S Striped Round Neck Jumper £29.50

Thicker stripe again at H&M £17.99

Red & pink striped also at H&M £17.99

And this one I also one of my favourites. Autumn in a piece of knitwear.

Striped Wool Blend Sweater from & Other Stories £69 Bottle green. Oh. Hello.

Longer line at & Other Stories £59

Long again at Glamorous £30

Brushed longline at New Look £24.99

Colour Block Round Neck Jumper from M&S £32.50

Loose Knit at H&M £17.99 in navy

And finishing with two slogan jumpers as they're just infinitely fabulous.

Rainbow Stripe Je T'Aime from New Look £22.99

Black Stripe C'est La Vie Slogan £22.99

And here I am today - in a jumper but lacking stripes. However this skirt CRIES out for a striped jumper to go with it.

Skirt - Free People from ASOS (ss17)
Jumper - Zadig & Voltaire (ss17)
Biker - Ted Baker (from paid partnership aw17)
Trainers - Ishikawa from Quattro Rish (ss18)
Bag - APC from Coggles (3yrs ago)

Loved the rain today. Excuse to go to the cinema although it appears the rest of the world had the same idea. We've reached that part of the Summer holiday where we've seen pretty much everything there is to see. So we went to see Christopher Robin, which the children were desperate to see. Hmmm. I wasn't so keen. And it was exactly like I thought it would be. Weird. NOT Paddington. One or two. Even Peter Rabbit was better (a lot funnier...) To be honest, couldn't work out whether it was a film for children or an allegorical exploration of a mid life crisis. It was vaguely charming... but only vaguely. Wasn't convinced by Ewan McGregor either. Can't way I love him as whimsical. The 11yr old said that he thought the guy from Fantastic Beasts would have been better - Eddie Redmayne and OMG YES. He would have been a LOT better! There you go.

Tomorrow I will be back with my first colour obsession of the season. Any guesses??

Suddenly having all the feels for the jackets...

... as there has to be some benefit in the loss of the warm weather.

Yes folks, it's jacket season. We're not talking full on coats, but a lighter weight jacket that will in fact keep you going for months. In fact, if you throw on a scarf, you can be wearing this well into the later Autumn months.

Looking for something that you can wear over the dresses and skirts that I've been showcasing. Or maybe you still have a plethora of dresses that you want to give a new lease of life to (*waves hand frantically*) - well hey ho. This is what you need.

So I have my heart set on something military. Don't ask me why - I think it's probably the fit. With long maxi dresses and full skirts, I love the contrast of a neatly fitted jacket and a single breasted - normally with sturdy shoulders (clearly not a fashion tern in any way, shape or form) - one will work perfectly.

Can I find the perfect one? Well obviously not. I do have one from Zara that I've had for about 4yrs now (my love hate relationship will no doubt continue into this season as well but I will give them their jackets and their shoes have always been consistently amazing. Dresses, blouses, jumpers - all usually disappointing. I want to love them but the quality is so dodgy and the prices have crept up)

However not from Zara - a little gem at River Island.

River Island with embellished jacket detail in green £55

Military jacket from hush in khaki £75 - don't forget the 10% off with the code A18PREVIEW

And in black - again £75 pre discount

This is longer line that I would usually wear but another "look" this season is going to be longer jackets over long skirts/dresses. Now this is probably going to take a bit more getting used to but if this sort of looks takes your fancy (I'll definitely be going in - I'm going to try blazers first - watch this space), then this jacket could be worth a look.

Sacred Hawk Military Jacket was £60 now £36

THIS is exactly what I'm looking for - although again, I would like it a little more fitted and shorter.

Military style beads jacket from Mango £69.99

And in the navy again £69.99

This has really turned my head. Typing and thinking out loud... I'm wondering if camo is as versatile as leopard. I think it might be...

Boohoo jacket in camo £35

Cropped Camo Shacket at Topshop £39

Monki Trucker Jacket £65 Like leopard, check can be hugely versatile and easily work as a neutral. My husband would like to have me sectioned for spouting this sort of rubbish but this season - if it's not a clashing print, you really shouldn't wear it. This is not going to be any sort of music to my husband's ears. HA HA HA!

Plain now, throwing in some texture with old school corduroy.

Clockwork Trucker Jacket in rust from Freepeople £68

Everlyn Jacket from Freepeople £128

Cropped Corduroy Jacket £89 from & Other Stories

Cropped Jacket in black £89 from & Other Stories

Plain again at Topshop.

Topstitch Camel Shacket £39

However the jacket that I personally would get the most use out of is THIS. I have looked for a jacket like this for years. I have a similar in navy from Zara that I bought 6 yrs ago and every time I wear it, I get streams of messages asking where it's from. I shall be doing a tweed round up shortly. Rubbish in the rain but still - a little bit of a Chanel love in never does anyone any harm. (I mean Chanel-esque - there will be no four figure fabric jackets on this blog!).

Tweed Jacket from Mango £49.99

I will definitely be back with more of these as there is a LOT of mileage in them. Not to mention trenches, leather jackets (not just bikers) and the good old cardigan. YES, it's making a come back. In my wardrobe anyway.

Today - sans jacket. The other item I chose from Essentiel Antwerp when I went to see them. I absolutely love this dress and this belt. Navy. Yes, it's lace, yes it's probably supposed to be worn for far dressier occasions but with a pair of trainers (I ditched the leather jacket as it was too warm), it was perfect for a meeting in London this morning (followed by a trip to the Dr's with the smallest who's ear is still puking green gunk three weeks later... more antibiotics that he's just taken, that he's just thrown up. Awesome).

Dress & Belt - Essentiel Antwerp (gift current)
Bag - Liberty's (gift current)
Trainers - Golden Goose (4yrs old)
Sunglasses - Chloe from Very Exclusive (ss17)

We have friends over for drinks this evening (which means I haven't got to get changed - PERFECT outfit for champagne - Lidl's finest highly recommended by the way - and yes I shall be keeping the trainers on) and then three whole delicious days with NOTHING planned. What's not to love about that? One last week of holidays and before we know it, they'll be ensconced back in school. But before then, I have loads of new season ideas for you to mull over. Have a great Friday.

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Saving the best till the end of the month..

It's a quick make up one

Did someone say Autumn?

Suddenly having all the feels for the jackets...