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"A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories" - Oscar De La Renta. 

This month has been all about accessories - a mix of being underwhelmed by the fashion in stores and discovering some hidden gems. The number one item has been my gorgeous Primark wool fedora, which if you follow me on social media you will see I am obsessed and have been wearing constantly but there have been a few other additions...... as you can see.


An essential item in my collection is neckwear - I love a good scarf, something so simple that can jazz up even the most plain of outfits. The gorgeous bold leopard print style (1.) came in the October addition of My Little Box and is an archived print from none other than the amazing Diane von Furstenberg - a beautiful silky square scarf that looks fabulous especially with black. The other scarf (2.) came from my highstreet favourite Accessorize, an oversized winter floral/tribal mix scarf complete with tassels. Featured in a how to wear video by the brand, as soon as I watched I had to have it - How to style this season's square scarf .

Next up jewellery: as a magpie drawn to pretty things I couldn't resist a bit of new sparkle in my life. A cute set of three bracelets (3.) from good old Accessorize, in this seasons colours - a fab mix of navy and burgundy, these simple bracelets are very detailed and great for everyday (although no good for wearing with knitwear as you easily get attached!). One place I have always found cute but quirky pieces is ASOS and when the mid season sale email came through that was my cue to pay a visit and I came away with a gold heart necklace (4.) for only £2 and this amazing ball cuff ring (5.) in black and gold at £6 - I struggle to find rings that fit my middle finger so thought this style would be good and it fits perfectly, also something a little different and modern about the design, like having mini mickey mouse ears on your finger. Also I couldn't leave without this polka dot headband (6.) with its interesting knot detail and a different colour for me that actually really suits the shade of my hair, another bargain at only £4. The last jewellery piece is another item from the October My Little Box - a lip brooch, the signature logo of the DVF brand (7.) simple, bold but chic.

The final item in my haul is something I have been considering for a while now but was struggling to find in the size and colour i wanted - a pompom key ring (8.) to accessorize my Kate Spade Beau. This little beauty arrived and I instantly loved it, my husband rolled his eyes and my cat looked very excited and intrigued (need to monitor her interaction as I do not want another shredding incident!). I found it on Etsy, somewhere I haven't bought from before but was inspired by the variety of beautiful handmade pieces, although I did not read the description correctly and didn't realise it came all the way from Canada! but was impressed it came much quicker than anticipated. If you fancy joining this furry trend check out Petalle Creations for pompom key rings in every colour of the rainbow. 


Can't wait to wear all of theses lovelies, check out my Instagram to see how i style them.

October Accessories Haul

"A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories" - Oscar De La Renta. 

This month has been all about accessories - a mix of being underwhelmed by the fashion in stores and discovering some hidden gems. The number one item has been my gorgeous Primark wool fedora, which if you follow me on social media you will see I am obsessed and have been wearing constantly but there have been a few other additions...... as you can see.


An essential item in my collection is neckwear - I love a good scarf, something so simple that can jazz up even the most plain of outfits. The gorgeous bold leopard print style (1.) came in the October addition of My Little Box and is an archived print from none other than the amazing Diane von Furstenberg - a beautiful silky square scarf that looks fabulous especially with black. The other scarf (2.) came from my highstreet favourite Accessorize, an oversized winter floral/tribal mix scarf complete with tassels. Featured in a how to wear video by the brand, as soon as I watched I had to have it - How to style this season's square scarf .

Next up jewellery: as a magpie drawn to pretty things I couldn't resist a bit of new sparkle in my life. A cute set of three bracelets (3.) from good old Accessorize, in this seasons colours - a fab mix of navy and burgundy, these simple bracelets are very detailed and great for everyday (although no good for wearing with knitwear as you easily get attached!). One place I have always found cute but quirky pieces is ASOS and when the mid season sale email came through that was my cue to pay a visit and I came away with a gold heart necklace (4.) for only £2 and this amazing ball cuff ring (5.) in black and gold at £6 - I struggle to find rings that fit my middle finger so thought this style would be good and it fits perfectly, also something a little different and modern about the design, like having mini mickey mouse ears on your finger. Also I couldn't leave without this polka dot headband (6.) with its interesting knot detail and a different colour for me that actually really suits the shade of my hair, another bargain at only £4. The last jewellery piece is another item from the October My Little Box - a lip brooch, the signature logo of the DVF brand (7.) simple, bold but chic.

The final item in my haul is something I have been considering for a while now but was struggling to find in the size and colour i wanted - a pompom key ring (8.) to accessorize my Kate Spade Beau. This little beauty arrived and I instantly loved it, my husband rolled his eyes and my cat looked very excited and intrigued (need to monitor her interaction as I do not want another shredding incident!). I found it on Etsy, somewhere I haven't bought from before but was inspired by the variety of beautiful handmade pieces, although I did not read the description correctly and didn't realise it came all the way from Canada! but was impressed it came much quicker than anticipated. If you fancy joining this furry trend check out Petalle Creations for pompom key rings in every colour of the rainbow. 


Can't wait to wear all of theses lovelies, check out my Instagram to see how i style them.


Winter Hats.....

Hats are an acquired taste, some people love, others loathe, I have never been sure, more about what suits me rather than the idea of fashionable head-wear. 

My hat relationship began with a girl's beanie from New Look, at the time when oversized beanies were in fashion but with short hair I looked odd with a big hat so I went for a kids version so that I could still be involved, it was cute - grey knit with a glittery threads running through. Then came a grey knitted bobble hat from Topshop, with 2 pompoms like ears - I loved it as it was so different whilst warm and snugly as well as making me look like a little bear, but I still wasn't 100% sure so would only wear when really cold. 

This season however I decided to embrace the hat as it is everywhere and is a chic way to battle against the incoming cold weather, but what style to go for - fedora, trilby, beanie, bobble or floppy brimmed? Overwhelmed by all the stylish looks on my favourite source of inspiration Pinterest, I settled on a structured shape and finally found my perfect partner..... Nothing extravagant, a classic wool fedora for only £7 from good old Primark but a gorgeous hat that seems to go with everything and is the perfect size & shape.


I have tried a few styles on this season but was cautious before buying as i knew they would probably end up being bought and then sitting on my mannequin because I wasn't quite sure or because I think people will laugh, which at 28 is a ridiculous notion. However with this hat it was love at first sight - I tried it on and then wore it for the entire hour and a half shopping trip round Primark, I almost forgot to take it off to pay which could have been embarrassing! My new hat has become like a third person in my marriage, I am addicted to wearing it whether that's to work or just to pop out to sainsbury's, much to my husbands dismay (think he was a little embarrassed doing this week's food shop with me and my hat). 


This hat also appears to be a hit with the fashion community, many photos on Instagram and some of my favourite bloggers have also fallen for its woolly loveliness.

Could you be tempted?

For more hat inspiration, check out my new dedicated Pinterest board - All about the hat

If the hat fits, wear it..


Winter Hats.....

Hats are an acquired taste, some people love, others loathe, I have never been sure, more about what suits me rather than the idea of fashionable head-wear. 

My hat relationship began with a girl's beanie from New Look, at the time when oversized beanies were in fashion but with short hair I looked odd with a big hat so I went for a kids version so that I could still be involved, it was cute - grey knit with a glittery threads running through. Then came a grey knitted bobble hat from Topshop, with 2 pompoms like ears - I loved it as it was so different whilst warm and snugly as well as making me look like a little bear, but I still wasn't 100% sure so would only wear when really cold. 

This season however I decided to embrace the hat as it is everywhere and is a chic way to battle against the incoming cold weather, but what style to go for - fedora, trilby, beanie, bobble or floppy brimmed? Overwhelmed by all the stylish looks on my favourite source of inspiration Pinterest, I settled on a structured shape and finally found my perfect partner..... Nothing extravagant, a classic wool fedora for only £7 from good old Primark but a gorgeous hat that seems to go with everything and is the perfect size & shape.


I have tried a few styles on this season but was cautious before buying as i knew they would probably end up being bought and then sitting on my mannequin because I wasn't quite sure or because I think people will laugh, which at 28 is a ridiculous notion. However with this hat it was love at first sight - I tried it on and then wore it for the entire hour and a half shopping trip round Primark, I almost forgot to take it off to pay which could have been embarrassing! My new hat has become like a third person in my marriage, I am addicted to wearing it whether that's to work or just to pop out to sainsbury's, much to my husbands dismay (think he was a little embarrassed doing this week's food shop with me and my hat). 


This hat also appears to be a hit with the fashion community, many photos on Instagram and some of my favourite bloggers have also fallen for its woolly loveliness.

Could you be tempted?

For more hat inspiration, check out my new dedicated Pinterest board - All about the hat

Although i have always loved beauty products, it has really only been the last couple of years that i have started to appreciate them. Before i would always buy the cheapest products, usually supermarket own brands but lately my taste has improved. Probably due to the amount of free samples given away these days with magazines, goodie bags etc that allow you try to before you buy, a concept i fully support. Here is a round up of my current beauty loves, products that i do spend money on and that i have see great results from.....


1. Soap & Glory - 3 in 1 daily detox facial wash £8
A gentle facial wash that not only smells amazing but has worked wonders for my skin, which i have struggled with since i was a teenager. It is a wash/scrub hybrid that leaves my face feeling refreshed and clean. This was part of a Soap and Glory gift set i got on offer last year and lasts for ages as a little blob goes a long way.

2. Topshop Lip Bullet in There she goes £8
The newest addition to my beauty collection, only bought last week but already a must have - i bought this after reading so many good reviews on the Topshop website and also many video reviews on YouTube. It is a great classic, everyday colour, that goes on smoothly, doesn't feel dry and lasts well on my lips. I am impressed with Topshops' make up range, most stores that branch out into beauty only produce average products but so far i have several lovelies that rival the major cosmetic brands including the best ever gel eyeliner and a gold eye crayon.

3. NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi usage dry oil £17
A sample from the September My Little box, and although i did have to do some research into what this little bottle was for, i was pleasantly surprised just how versatile it is. Face, hair, scars, dry skin you name it Nuxe oil will help. Not the cheapest of products so may not re-buy however because you only use a small drop it will last longer than many products - will continue to use and see how I feel. A silky oil, that smells lovely and isn't sticky like some other oils I have tried.

4. Percy & Reed Wonder Balm £18
Thank you Elle magazine - the tester of this amazing product came free earlier in the year and i have not been disappointed. A great consistency that smooths my hair down before styling without leaving that horrible sticky residue that many serum/balms do. This product has enhanced my blow dry and has also helped to smooth flyaway hairs when straightening. The only downside of this brand is that they do not sell in many stores and i am yet to find once locally, although now i am in love i will probably just order online, especially as it is now stocked by ASOS.

5. VO5 Heat protect styling spray £4
A new brand for me - sadly my usual Lee Stafford heat protection spray was out of stock, so i decided to take a chance on this VO5 one instead. Although i have heard of VO5 i have never used any of the products before, this heat spray has a lovely scent to it and leaves my hair feeling smooth and silky after styling and is a great price.

6. Percy & Reed Finishing Polish £10
Another Elle free gift (please keep this partnership going!!) and another thumbs up from me. Worked alongside the wonder balm this finishing polish adds just the right amount of styling to my hair without weighing it down or making it greasy too quickly. This brand is fast becoming a solid favourite in my bathroom - not only the quality and results of the products but also the attention to detail in the branding. I absolutely love the illustrations used, they give the brand some personality and also make it look chic and modern, plus I am a real sucker for glamorous illustrations.


Would love to hear which beauty product you love?


TGF Edit: Latest Beauty Loves

Although i have always loved beauty products, it has really only been the last couple of years that i have started to appreciate them. Before i would always buy the cheapest products, usually supermarket own brands but lately my taste has improved. Probably due to the amount of free samples given away these days with magazines, goodie bags etc that allow you try to before you buy, a concept i fully support. Here is a round up of my current beauty loves, products that i do spend money on and that i have see great results from.....


1. Soap & Glory - 3 in 1 daily detox facial wash £8
A gentle facial wash that not only smells amazing but has worked wonders for my skin, which i have struggled with since i was a teenager. It is a wash/scrub hybrid that leaves my face feeling refreshed and clean. This was part of a Soap and Glory gift set i got on offer last year and lasts for ages as a little blob goes a long way.

2. Topshop Lip Bullet in There she goes £8
The newest addition to my beauty collection, only bought last week but already a must have - i bought this after reading so many good reviews on the Topshop website and also many video reviews on YouTube. It is a great classic, everyday colour, that goes on smoothly, doesn't feel dry and lasts well on my lips. I am impressed with Topshops' make up range, most stores that branch out into beauty only produce average products but so far i have several lovelies that rival the major cosmetic brands including the best ever gel eyeliner and a gold eye crayon.

3. NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi usage dry oil £17
A sample from the September My Little box, and although i did have to do some research into what this little bottle was for, i was pleasantly surprised just how versatile it is. Face, hair, scars, dry skin you name it Nuxe oil will help. Not the cheapest of products so may not re-buy however because you only use a small drop it will last longer than many products - will continue to use and see how I feel. A silky oil, that smells lovely and isn't sticky like some other oils I have tried.

4. Percy & Reed Wonder Balm £18
Thank you Elle magazine - the tester of this amazing product came free earlier in the year and i have not been disappointed. A great consistency that smooths my hair down before styling without leaving that horrible sticky residue that many serum/balms do. This product has enhanced my blow dry and has also helped to smooth flyaway hairs when straightening. The only downside of this brand is that they do not sell in many stores and i am yet to find once locally, although now i am in love i will probably just order online, especially as it is now stocked by ASOS.

5. VO5 Heat protect styling spray £4
A new brand for me - sadly my usual Lee Stafford heat protection spray was out of stock, so i decided to take a chance on this VO5 one instead. Although i have heard of VO5 i have never used any of the products before, this heat spray has a lovely scent to it and leaves my hair feeling smooth and silky after styling and is a great price.

6. Percy & Reed Finishing Polish £10
Another Elle free gift (please keep this partnership going!!) and another thumbs up from me. Worked alongside the wonder balm this finishing polish adds just the right amount of styling to my hair without weighing it down or making it greasy too quickly. This brand is fast becoming a solid favourite in my bathroom - not only the quality and results of the products but also the attention to detail in the branding. I absolutely love the illustrations used, they give the brand some personality and also make it look chic and modern, plus I am a real sucker for glamorous illustrations.


Would love to hear which beauty product you love?



Tartan or plaid, whatever you like to call it (tartan is the traditional but plaid is a term used by the US), has taken over the fashion world for Autumn. It is everywhere on scarves, dresses, trousers, coats even shoes. The fashionista community has embraced and shown us just how to wear it - as a highlight or a full head to toe look. These are just a few of the looks I have seen and loved on Pinterest, with a mix of casual and more refined looks - I really like the tartan pencil skirt teamed with a denim shirt and statement necklace, a look I may have to try as the mix of fabrications and texture is gorgeous.

For me Tartan represents Scotland and it's beautiful scenery (a stunning country I lived in as a child for a few years) however it's use within main stream fashion the last couple of years has given something from my childhood new meaning. This Fall/Winter season has seen the print reappear not as a minor player but a major trend on the catwalk and highstreet, with almost all brands including one piece in pretty plaid, with many colour variations - from the traditional to the modern interpretation.

   

Within my wardrobe I have a few tartan treasures - not brave enough to go full on head to toe I like to have pieces I can team with plain basics. A mixed print scuba dress (Matalan), a cold shoulder sheer dress (Primark), an open back blouse (Topshop) and my favourite lightweight scarf (Accessorize). I also have a really old Lilac and grey blanket scarf that I wear when it's really cold.

If tartan floats your boat be sure to head over to Lands' End who have taken tartan to a new extreme, from nightshirts & pj's to trousers, jackets and accessories - I am biased as I work for them but there are some perfect pieces coming for Christmas.

Tartan - love or loathe?? 

Tartantastic


Tartan or plaid, whatever you like to call it (tartan is the traditional but plaid is a term used by the US), has taken over the fashion world for Autumn. It is everywhere on scarves, dresses, trousers, coats even shoes. The fashionista community has embraced and shown us just how to wear it - as a highlight or a full head to toe look. These are just a few of the looks I have seen and loved on Pinterest, with a mix of casual and more refined looks - I really like the tartan pencil skirt teamed with a denim shirt and statement necklace, a look I may have to try as the mix of fabrications and texture is gorgeous.

For me Tartan represents Scotland and it's beautiful scenery (a stunning country I lived in as a child for a few years) however it's use within main stream fashion the last couple of years has given something from my childhood new meaning. This Fall/Winter season has seen the print reappear not as a minor player but a major trend on the catwalk and highstreet, with almost all brands including one piece in pretty plaid, with many colour variations - from the traditional to the modern interpretation.

   

Within my wardrobe I have a few tartan treasures - not brave enough to go full on head to toe I like to have pieces I can team with plain basics. A mixed print scuba dress (Matalan), a cold shoulder sheer dress (Primark), an open back blouse (Topshop) and my favourite lightweight scarf (Accessorize). I also have a really old Lilac and grey blanket scarf that I wear when it's really cold.

If tartan floats your boat be sure to head over to Lands' End who have taken tartan to a new extreme, from nightshirts & pj's to trousers, jackets and accessories - I am biased as I work for them but there are some perfect pieces coming for Christmas.

Tartan - love or loathe?? 


* Celebrating hubby's birthday at Zizzi's, with the biggest pizza ever! Can highly recommend. * A unique mixed print - tartan with a leopard print overlay. A great little shift dress for the fantastic price of only £16 from Matalan. * My new ankle boots, a full leather boot with snakeskin heel panel and giant zip detailing - perfect for teaming with the many dresses in my wardrobe. River Island have some great new styles, well worth a look. * Vintage florals are a great look for the warmer days (not that it should be this warm still in September). * Cute little quote, wish it was true for me but not quite there yet - something to aim for. * Yummy new addition to my collection from ASOS. A bold cobalt midi skirt, with texture detail and a floaty full skirt teamed with slogan tee, purple ruffle heels and statement jewels for work. * Winter florals, a fresh take on the girly florals that dominated the summer months, this blazer has not left my body since i bought it last month. * My new office area complete with beautiful stationery and cute pin board full of inspiration. * Best area in my new house, the "accessories corner", showing off all my favourite pieces and quite often a sleeping kitty.


* Freshening up a summer staple with some autumn pieces - Dorothy Perkins White dress, H&M floral blazer, Topshop purple ruffle heels and my beautiful Kate Spade Beau - a lovely outfit and so many compliments in the office * An unexpected find from a few years ago, a feathered brooch from ASOS, that i found whilst un-packing and forgot i had. * First of my monthly Pinterest favourites, with a distinct fall theme to it - if you haven't already check out my boards (link in side bar). * Rocking my new ASOS skirt with last years plaid blouse from Topshop. * Fashion Week - my round up and all of the best bits, from my favourite shows. * The Mulberry SS15 presentation, no show again this fashion week but a beautiful collection, read all the details here... * The newest addiction in my life, not just an amazing beauty box but a slice of French chic, discover My Little Box on the blog today and fall in love too. * A glimpse into the goodies inside my little Parisienne box. * The cutest little laptop case ever, great size and amazing illustrations. 


* A great smart/ casual look for work, the feathered brooch finishes it off perfectly - Primark skinny jeans, River Island vest, Topshop sleeveless blazer teamed with Aldo sandals and my Beau. * New from Topshop, this flippy hem style dress is my favourite shape from the brand and this version with lace inlays is very simple yet beautiful. Perfect fit, colour and a bargain at £26. * Discover who has been Upping the Fashion Ante this season, with a great new advert and collection. * The rest of Septembers Pinterest lovelies, with a focus on the small details and accessories that make an outfit complete.

Finally to the highlight of My September - my little sisters wedding day........ Just a few of my favourite shots from the amazing day. * My updo for the day, complete with flowers (took 45 mins to do but well worth it). * My outfit, a gorgeous mint green dress with an embellished bust along with some beautiful vintage green peep toe Mary Jane's. * Instead of flowers we had wrist corsages, so pretty with pearls, jewels and flowers, however i did spend the day eyeing up the wand that my niece had (tried to steal but she was onto me and hid it!). * The lovely couple at the ceremony along with my new little niece and my amazing parents chilling out before the speeches.

What a crazy month, but looking forward to a quiet October.

My September


* Celebrating hubby's birthday at Zizzi's, with the biggest pizza ever! Can highly recommend. * A unique mixed print - tartan with a leopard print overlay. A great little shift dress for the fantastic price of only £16 from Matalan. * My new ankle boots, a full leather boot with snakeskin heel panel and giant zip detailing - perfect for teaming with the many dresses in my wardrobe. River Island have some great new styles, well worth a look. * Vintage florals are a great look for the warmer days (not that it should be this warm still in September). * Cute little quote, wish it was true for me but not quite there yet - something to aim for. * Yummy new addition to my collection from ASOS. A bold cobalt midi skirt, with texture detail and a floaty full skirt teamed with slogan tee, purple ruffle heels and statement jewels for work. * Winter florals, a fresh take on the girly florals that dominated the summer months, this blazer has not left my body since i bought it last month. * My new office area complete with beautiful stationery and cute pin board full of inspiration. * Best area in my new house, the "accessories corner", showing off all my favourite pieces and quite often a sleeping kitty.


* Freshening up a summer staple with some autumn pieces - Dorothy Perkins White dress, H&M floral blazer, Topshop purple ruffle heels and my beautiful Kate Spade Beau - a lovely outfit and so many compliments in the office * An unexpected find from a few years ago, a feathered brooch from ASOS, that i found whilst un-packing and forgot i had. * First of my monthly Pinterest favourites, with a distinct fall theme to it - if you haven't already check out my boards (link in side bar). * Rocking my new ASOS skirt with last years plaid blouse from Topshop. * Fashion Week - my round up and all of the best bits, from my favourite shows. * The Mulberry SS15 presentation, no show again this fashion week but a beautiful collection, read all the details here... * The newest addiction in my life, not just an amazing beauty box but a slice of French chic, discover My Little Box on the blog today and fall in love too. * A glimpse into the goodies inside my little Parisienne box. * The cutest little laptop case ever, great size and amazing illustrations. 


* A great smart/ casual look for work, the feathered brooch finishes it off perfectly - Primark skinny jeans, River Island vest, Topshop sleeveless blazer teamed with Aldo sandals and my Beau. * New from Topshop, this flippy hem style dress is my favourite shape from the brand and this version with lace inlays is very simple yet beautiful. Perfect fit, colour and a bargain at £26. * Discover who has been Upping the Fashion Ante this season, with a great new advert and collection. * The rest of Septembers Pinterest lovelies, with a focus on the small details and accessories that make an outfit complete.

Finally to the highlight of My September - my little sisters wedding day........ Just a few of my favourite shots from the amazing day. * My updo for the day, complete with flowers (took 45 mins to do but well worth it). * My outfit, a gorgeous mint green dress with an embellished bust along with some beautiful vintage green peep toe Mary Jane's. * Instead of flowers we had wrist corsages, so pretty with pearls, jewels and flowers, however i did spend the day eyeing up the wand that my niece had (tried to steal but she was onto me and hid it!). * The lovely couple at the ceremony along with my new little niece and my amazing parents chilling out before the speeches.

What a crazy month, but looking forward to a quiet October.

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