Archive for April 2019

Home Archive for April 2019

Always be prepared...

This blog post contains affiliate links

..for whatever weather life throws at you. And it appears that the chances of us needing to don a pair of strappy sandals this weekend is LOOKING UP! Temperatures in the low/mid twenties. Of what madness is this you talk?

Regardless though, in my experience, if you don't nab the sandals of your dreams now, they'll be long gone by the time you actually need them. And given the weather, we need to get our sandal act together IMMEDIATELY.

Sandals sell out offensively early. Bought by people who are either a) organised or b) jet off to far sunnier climes whilst the rest of are still battling with jumpers, hats and wellies. Do we need any more reasons to dislike these people? Not hate hate but just feel a slight antithesis towards? Please say it's ok..

Ok so that's mean. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I'm not advocating booking a holiday to the Caribbean but lets just become ever so slightly organised?

First up.

These.

Strappy Sandals from Forever 21 £12.99

In the tan as well - £12.99 Yes for that price, it would be rude not to get both.

Strappy with a slight heel which I know is very appealing to some.

Strappy Open Toe Sandals from Forever 21 £20

And then there are the flat ones...

Cutout flat sandals from Forever 21 £12

Or in the red - also £12

And in the black.... leather again from Mango for £29.99

These I think look so much more expensive than the picture. The STUPID picture. Seriously, who has calves that long? Almost tempted to not purchase in protest....

Canvas Bow Tie Sandals £15

Minimal and a style reminiscent of the Sam Edelman Gigi's which are significantly more.

Open Toe T-Bar Sandals in navy from M&S £15

Or in the green - also only £15 from M&S

And in the silver... £15

In tan leather from Boohoo also £14

Leather ankle strap with a hint of the Marant about them at M&S.

Leather Studded Toe Thong Sandal £45

Or in the tan - again £45

Buckle again and my beloved ankle straps at ASOS. A hint of Bally I think.

ASOS DESIGN Flora flat sandals £18

And my personal favourites...

ASOS DESIGN Faro Leather sandals £18

Orrrrr these ones...

ASOS DESIGN Favoured leather sandals £18

Nope - hang on - these from Stradivarius.

Stradivarius leather flat sandals £25.99

This is clearly a mere drop in the vast sandal ocean. I shall be back with loads more ideas in the next couple of weeks (maybe sooner if this weather continues) but in the meantime - I shall be on trotter duty. Yes, my feet are still at hoof status.

In the meantime, here I am from yesterday when I did the most amazing shoot with Simon Rimmer (yes THE Simon Rimmer who is as absolutely lovely as you think he will be) and I wore boots and was WAY too warm!

Dress - Studio by Preen for Debenhams (sample from ss18)
Jacket - Ted Baker (from paid partnership 2 yrs ago)
Boots - Marc Jacobs for Dr Marten's from My Theresa (current)
Sunglasses - Chloe from David Clulow from Bicester Village (current)
Bag - Gucci from Bicester Village (4yrs ago)

I will be back - maybe even tomorrow with biscuits (not of the edible variety - think colour... I know random, but it works!)

Could this be the perfect weekend away?

This blog post has been written as part of a paid partnership with P&O Cruises.

So here's the thing. I truly believe that there are different holiday breaks for different occasions.

There are so many different factors that come into play when considering how you spend those precious days of holiday - not to mention the world being your oyster.

So when I was asked, would I like to escape for a couple of days and try out a long weekend on a P&O cruise to Amsterdam AND take one of my best friends with me to see how it panned out as a girls' weekend away, you can imagine it didn't take me long to say yes.

First up - I should mention I love a cruise. I was introduced to the world of the big ships last year and I am well and truly hooked.

And the idea of a weekend away, with two almost-full days to spend in Amsterdam, as well as two days enjoying the ship, really did seem like an ideal trip - especially considering it as a girls' weekend away.

Let me first give you an idea of what we did. We boarded Azura on Friday at around 1pm - car is valet parked at Southampton and your luggage whisked away on arrival at the port and deposited in your room (LOVE this). Check in, if you've never checked into a cruise is almost identical to checking into a flight but with less queuing at security.

You can then make your way to your room or feel free to explore the ship. We decided to explore and attempt to find our bearings - admittedly I have the sense of direction of a potato and can't master it even after a week - thank the lord for the amazing signage everywhere!

A little glass of fizz in one of the main bars for the Sail Away....

And then it was back to the room for a quick change and then out for dinner.

The food on board is amazing. There are a number of restaurants which are included in your fare and for all the others there is a supplement to pay, but it's minimal in comparison to what I would have thought you would be paying. For example, in the most exclusive fine dining restaurant, which is superb, for a three course meal the supplement is only £28 per person. Fillet steak, lobster, it's INCREDIBLE.

First night though, we dined at The Glass House which has a wine menu chosen by the expert Olly Smith. I should also say that I kept emailing the wine list to my husband (I am an embarrassing luddite when it comes to wine - champagne and cocktails, I'm your girl but a bottle of red and I have NO idea). He was very surprised at how reasonable the wines were in comparison to what you would pay in a supermarket.

Then it was off to see a live music act and then to Manhattan bar for some superb disco dancing.

Next day was up and off to Amsterdam. Now there was a teeny issue with the transport to Amsterdam from the ship as changes had been made so it was a longer coach journey than had been anticipated and it was the first time these arrangements had been made. P&O assured us that on future cruises to Amsterdam, the transfer would involve less queuing and waiting.

We had a tour arranged for us, courtesy of P&O to try out their new on-shore experiences partner Urban Adventures. The rather charming Sean was our very patient and knowledgeable guide for a walking tour of Amsterdam on our first day there.

The tour ended in the Food Hallen in Amsterdam which is an incredible indoor venue of street food stations. A very happy couple of hours was spent there, eating amazing Japanese and dim sum but you really could have got anything - from Indian to Thai, to Mexican, Spanish, Dutch, Italian and the list went on. You name it, they had it. And clearly it was delicious as I *might* have been too quick to hoover it before I remembered to take a photo..!

And a takeaway from here...

A quick tram back to the coach, back onto the ship and a cup of tea in bed watching a movie. I should point out that in the rooms, there is a TV with a variety of movie channels - lots of up to date releases along with a traditional selection and all included. OR you could take advantage of the onboard HUGE outdoor screen, grab a glass of something and sit in the hot tubs on deck watching a new release. If that doesn't take your fancy there are blankets on all the sun beds to snuggle up and watch (my own bed and a nana cuppa were calling though...)

As... the next day it was up and at 'em early for the coach back into Amsterdam to meet Sean and... drum roll... A CYCLE TOUR.

Which was brilliant. I did have my concerns, but genuinely it was great fun and not remotely difficult (a cyclist I am not, I should point out...).

After the three hour cycle fest (I KNOW, RIGHT?!) we went to the incredible Museumfoto where you can dress as your favourite (?!) character from Dutch history. Oh. Hello. WHY do we not have this in the UK? And if there is one in London, could someone please let me know. Anyone looking for a business idea... look no further.

Then time for chips in Amsterdam - something you simply can't not indulge in when visiting the city..

Even if you do end up wearing most of the mayonnaise...

It was then off to a liqueur tasting at the Wynand Fockink Distillery, hidden away in the back streets of Amsterdam. Definitely worth hunting out.

Then back to the ship and quick change for the Black Tie Evening and we had booked into the Fine Dining Restaurant at The Epicurean at Seventeen. It was superb - as good as any top London restaurant.

Lamb Three Ways...

A couple of cocktails in the Planet Bar...

… before heading again to Manhattan and disco-dancing till the wee small hours.

The next day was a day at sea and so we chose to spend it in the spa. I was treated to a Swedish Massage which was SUPERB. We did contemplate a run in the gym which is absolutely massive. Even as one who isn't a fan of gyms, I was impressed. It's at the front of the ship and all the running machines face the way you're sailing - a really great way to jog with the most superb view.

Which we could have done... OR we could have had a sauna and a hot tub with a cocktail. Guess which we chose...

That night we ate in the Sindhu which again has a small supplement but was divine. Top-quality Indian food - on a par with Michelin-starred Indian restaurants that I've eaten in.

Soft shell crab...

It was then time for a cuppa and another movie whilst we packed as you're up and away early on the 5th day.

So let's sum up what I think the advantages of a cruise for the weekend are:-

If you're going away with girls - someone has taken away all the thinking. There are no decisions to make about where to go and eat - you can spread the choice of restaurants over a couple of evenings or if you want to divide and conquer you can . There is definitely something for everyone on board.

Then there is the evening entertainment. No deciding which bar to go, which club to go to, who's going to go in which cab, no having to queue, no having to find a seat in a crowded bar, no deciding who's going to have to leave first with Susan as she's got a headache and wants to leave. And no trying to get a taxi at 3am.

There's also the safety aspect. It's so safe. We danced, abandoning our bags on chairs without a second thought. Everyone you meet is really lovely, friendly and up for banter.

By that same note though, there are enough places on the ship for solitude if that's what you're after. There are quieter lounge bars, there are comedians on board, there are all sorts of shows, there are quizzes, movies - even a casino. And a library with books and games if that takes your fancy.

Plus you also get the two days in a city that you then get to explore either under your own steam or by booking on one of the shore excursions to make the most of the time you have if you're unfamiliar with the city (or just like someone else to take the lead - that'll be me!).

As I mentioned, the food is excellent and the drinks on board are reasonably priced - VERY reasonably priced. Better prices than any bar we have locally and certainly compared to London prices.

I also love the fact that we just drive to Southampton (which isn't that much further than Heathrow for us) and you're on. There's no flying and no hanging around either - once you get to the port you can get straight onto the ship. And at the other end, you can just leave and collect your car. We were home by 10.30am on the Tuesday morning.

Cost wise - it does depend on which cabin you select but there are often great deals to be had, depending on when you book.

We are currently looking to go back with the girls for a 50th birthday celebration so I will keep you posted.

I do hope I've covered everything but ANY questions, do holler and I will try and answer them.

And if you still needed persuading (although I do appreciate, it isn't going to be for everyone..) the sunsets at sea are really super special.

Take me back!

The top that could make all the difference to your wardrobe

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When I say top - I mean jumper.. but I have a variation on the theme.

I'm not reinventing any wheel but it's a superb option if you're looking for a new jumper that you possibly don't have. One that can do a great job of bringing new life to old dresses.

Now I know I always say this but that really is the key - I think - to curating (RUBBISH fashun word but it works) the perfect wardrobe that works hard for you. Finding things you can wear year in year out, season in and season out with the addition of one or two new things.

And a hooded jumper - yes, you read that right - hooded aka a hoodie - is the perfect knit that you may not have. Over a dress and under a biker is the perfect dress down outfit and makes those summery dresses much more wearable in this wintery spring weather.

Alternatively - with jeans or any trews and a blazer - a take on a smart casual look. I had hoped that Pinterest would be a source of great interest but alas, these are the only couple of woeful looks it threw up.

And that's it. THAT'S PATHETIC. It's also clearly not a popular look but I honestly think it has legs.

So I've found some to experiment with and I've also seen one at my favourite local shop whilst on holiday (the superb Collen & Clare) that has my name all over it... wait for pics (over on Instastories now... under @doesmybumlook40).

In the meantime - some more cost effective ones (the one I have my eye on is cashmere but we're on holiday so money is holiday money - even if it's ££ and not Euros or Dollars and it's pouring with rain so a new purchase is SO easy to justify).

Stradivarius knitted hoodie with neon edge was £29.99 now £17.50

Noisy May Knitted Hoodie in black was £30 now £21

ASOS DESIGN slouchy knitted hoodie in oatmeal £28

Soft ribbed lounge hoodie from Topshop £24

Or it could work as a sweatshirt - it doesn't necessarily have to be a knit. I actually love the idea of the juxtaposition of the casual sweat with a feminine dress and a more androgynous blazer or trench. But I would suggest perhaps that slightly cropped might work better...

Classic Hoodie from Topshop was £20 now £14

Or the blue - which is now only £7 down from £20 - clearly these are not popular at all!

Or the Premium Hoodie from Warehouse in camel £34

Or classics at H&M in modal - beautifully soft and slouchy...

In Navy £17.99

Light powder pink £17.99

In black £17.99

I LOVE the plum - £17.99 Love. Love love love.

Slightly less ubiquitous a shape with balloon sleeves and just generally more of an oomph to it (clearly not any fashion led description but you know what I mean) at All Saints.

All Saints Talow Hoodie £88

Upping the budget now with some designer options (which are more expensive than the cashmere ones I'm coveting... I know which I'd opt for... investment knit any day!).

Isabel Marant Etoile Malibu flocked logo hoodie £215

Acne Joghy Cotton Cropped Hoodie £220

Or a knitted one from Ganni at Net a Porter for £270

And here I am today in an outfit that would be PERFECT with a hoodie... in face if you head over to my stories on Instagram you can see a neutral one and a black one that I tried on at Collen & Clare in Aldeburgh which aren't online. Suffice to say they are utterly superb (they're cashmere with super long arms - seriously, what's not to love?!)

Dress - H&M (current)
Jumper - Zadig & Voltaire (sale aw18)
Jacket - hush (gift 3yrs ago)
Trainers - Golden Goose (sale aw17)
Bag - Chloe from Bicester Village (3yrs ago)

I will be back tomorrow with a review of my 4 days in Amsterdam a couple of weeks ago. And then it's all about the footwear... not to mention all the requests I have had for MORE dresses. I also feel we need to start thinking about Spring outerwear. Small bags? Tote bags? The mojo has definitely retuned.

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Always be prepared...

Could this be the perfect weekend away?

The top that could make all the difference to your wardrobe