Flavour of the month

Autumn is in full swing, the nights are about to get darker

 and things are getting a little bewitched. 

Trends
AW19 is here and we are waiting for the high street to play catch up. Expect power shoulders, colour block and the return of the cape (a 2015 trend I just couldn't get away from). From the Bottega bag and slides covering head to toe of any FROWer to the blend of Victoria B shades hot in the eyes of any make up lovers palette, AW19 reminds of what fall really is about. A season of classics in a new dimension.

Christmas releases
Will we be airbrushing with Charlotte Tilbury? Slick with an anticipated uncovered Huda? Or drenched in the dreamiest scent? I always begin my Christmas shopping in September but this year I am underwhelmed. Some of the hottest festive launches are around the corner this October, don't miss out.

Technology
Ok, so it's a new year and new Apple season. Everyone has so much to say when it comes to a new Apple release but for me this year a state of the art camera and a midnight green just about cuts it. I am a sucker for new shades and intricate detail. The pro provides just that.

Affairs in order
Will they? Won't they? Three years after a Brexit vote and we are still in a struggle to define the history of this country, October 31st is the next milestone in our development. What will happen? Our guess is as good as anyones.
     Unless you have slept through the past few months Greta Thunberg would have entered your thought process. At 16 this environmental activist has once again highlighted the prominence that climate change has in our world today. Politics may not be your thing, but the globe you live on certainly is. Don't play blind to the monumental change that you could be a part of.

For your viewing
This time every year Gossip Girl returns for me. The seasons are in sync and with great outfits, scandals and S&B in their prime, what more could you ask for?
    In complete contrast the other view playing on my mind is Star Wars. The finale of the latest trilogy enters the big screen this December and tickets are due a release. Lets call this a family tradition

Travel
The Greek islands forever appear on our Instagram feeds over the course of the Summer months. An array of gorgeous white buildings and the deepest of blue seas. In our amazement no one expected to find them at the top of our wander list this Autumn. The weather delights, the crowds have fleed and island hopping continuously appeals to the many. Have you considered switching your usual city break for Mykonos and Santorni in the Autumn air?

The next three months see trends arise as the day progress. 

Watch this space my darlings, the flavour of month is about to get that little more juicy.

 

Lesson 3: Do the things you dare | March

Spring awakening. March was without a doubt my favourite month this year. After a year of heavy planning 2018 was filled with endless events and bucket list moments. 

Living and breathing city life I knew I was at my happiest. 

City girl.

I spent part of my March in Manchester with my best friend,  a city I completely underestimated.

Being a relatively older band who hadn't toured in a long time, with a new album purely rumoured, I was incredibly to lucky to see Thirty Seconds to Mars. Anyone knows this is my dream band.

... and to this day remains my best night ever.

Channelling our inner rock chicks, myself and Emma killed it with Jared.

I always love seeing my favourites end up living their dream lives. Myself and this angel were lucky enough to see this happen at the wedding of Elaine and Gary in March. 

So lucky to share this moment.

Flawless.

Count your milestones my darlings, you have the chance to make the biggest impact on someones life as they do with yours.  

Lesson 3: Do the things you dare

Say it as it is- Paperless Post

  

Does anyone ever find themselves with something to say and no time to say it? 

Paperless post can fix just that. With the chicest array of greeting cards, invitations and flyers they have you covered for every occasion and the best thing of all? They are customisable meaning you can place your own mark on them. 

Whether you are using the website or on the go and using the app, everything you need is at your fingertips. There are an endless array of designs that you can customise in your very own way. My favourite feature about Paperless post is that the final product is completely up to you ensuring you can make it every inch of gorgeous and this is done well within a price budget! Gone are the days where your holiday cards are still on your dresser in January!

Your creations land straight to the inbox of your chosen recipients and even provide you with notification when opened and the chance to RSVP or message if appropriate. I recently created these cute Kate Spade cards to provide my favourites with a little appreciation. Although these are technically categorised as invitations the design was just too hard to resist. Kate Spade is just one designer who you will discover across this platform, the adorable ideas from these creators will have each and everyone of you stuck for choice!

Send your Paperless Post now by heading to

www.paperlesspost.com or download from the App store.

 

*This is a sponsored post 

Give a girl a break

wearing Pretty Little Thing

Happy Bank Holiday darlings! 

I find myself adjusting back to the colder climate and struggling ... the Autumn knits are already appearing and I am far from wishing Summer away. I've recently returned from my favourite of destinations, Mexico. I spent nine days laying poolside, sipping Margarita's and dancing the nights away without a worry in mind. The struggle of the ten hour flight is always fleeting after you land in paradise. To say this vacay was well and truly needed is an understatement. The heat, the beach and the carefree lifestyle remains my happy place. I love the city but this girl needed a break.

The seasonal blues are already simmering so I am doing everything possible to retain the killer Summer wardrobes, the sassiest trends and my not so real sun kissed glow. 

This is a not so gentle reminder that it's time to take time out and make it count. Sometime's you just can't do it all- Queen Bees or not.

 

TREND TALK SS18

With SS18 in full swing and Spring fling almost over it's time we get our transitional wardrobe perfected before our Summer frolicking begins. This season combines the re-emergence of the past with the extravagance and daring nature of our current day trend setters.

Now it is your turn to join in.

PRAGMATIC PASTEL- We think of classic Spring and what do we think of? Pastels. For years we have reiterated this colour palette cliche but SS18 has turned in the opposite direction. Pastels are back and they are here to stay meaning the spectrum of shades this season are unparalleled. I am in love with this baby pink military style blazer from River Island (SHOP HERE). This Balmain inspired piece is effortless and a wardrobe staple in the midst of the Spring/Summer overlap.

WHEN BOLD GETS BOLDER- There is always one colour trend each season that provokes experimentation and appeals to the most elaborate of fashionistas. Well this season just went bigger and better. Many have termed this as the 'Crayola era', taking basic shades and injecting them into our everyday wardrobes. Whilst this initially appears daunting it widens our array of choice meaning whichever colour you find yourself reaching for it without a doubt dominated the SS18 ready to wear runway. 

CHECKING IT OUT- Just this morning I found myself lusting over Chiara Ferrgani's Clueless inspired lemon co-ord. Hours later I browse all my favourite high street stores and find numerous Cher inspired pieces, in every variation possible. Checks are underrated and we were subjected to a playful take on the SS18 runway. Victoria kept it classic, Burberry breathed iconic. This is one trend that will flee in an instant, embrace it while you can.

SHEER- I adore sheer and season by season it gets all the more daring and all the more liberating. Elegance and the most intricate level of detail compliments the many statement making pieces that are creeping off the runway and onto the high street. This is one trend that will turn heads and provoke curiosity whether it's at the Met Gala or on the beach.

TRENCH TALK - Trench coats. The coats that you love and the coats you don't need. Whether you are layering it up or outing minimal a trench is that accessory everyone desires whether its two or twenty degrees. Trenches do the talking so when you are in need of a little ensemble love this is not only your quick fix but your go to fix every time. The Celine SS18 runway justified this.

PRETTY ME PENCIL- Perhaps one of my favourite trends this season is the return of the pencil skirt but why? Whether you are spending your days in the office, heating it up on date night or partying in the city the pencil skirt is fail proof. If you are seeking the perfect day to night look alternate you pristine pussy bow blouse with an overly embellished sequin top and darling you will kill it.

Which SS18 trend do you desire?

This season is about breaking boundaries and taking the b out of bold.

Gone are the days where experimenting is non existent, these days experimentation is the inevitable.

 

Call it a classic

  

We all know I adore all things bold, bright and experimental when it comes to fashion stakes but this wedding season I sidelined and reached for the complete opposite. Unintentionally channelling Audrey Hepburn, Givenchy vibes in Breakfast at Tiffanys, I opted for a black peplum embellished dress. 

Yes, black- one colour palette I never appear to reach for. 

The added embellishment kept this ensemble far from boring and settled at the perfect length, just above my knee. Accessorising was minimal as very little assistance was needed to compliment this outfit that I paired with a pink clutch and stilettos during the day and black in the evening. This classic look is one of my favourites.

Remember making a statement created the icons.

SHOP MY LOOK//

Dress: River Island SHOP

Shoes: Carvela SHOP SIMILAR

Check out my Spring fling glam HERE

Spring fling glam

Hello my darlings! 

It has been a busy month but Spring is finally in full swing even if the minus temperatures are continuing to creep up on us. Spring, is the ultimate wedding season- typically florals, pastels and barely there stilettos but if you know me i've never believed in cliche!

One thing that remains for times to come is wedding glam. Where are the boundaries? Can I wear a red lip and get away with it? Should I keep it minimal?

The trick to this darlings is keep it basic, basic but not boring. Yesterday I attended the wedding of a close friend, wearing a black piece (did I mention it's my new favourite colour? groundbreaking).

I kept my glam pretty and glowing opting for a bronze shimmer eye paired with a smoky lash line and pink lips, subtle but not underrated. This is my go to glam for daytime events and it is quite simply fail proof. Paired with a Californian spray tan I ensured my face of the day, paired with my relatively simplistic ensemble, complimented my look without neglect.

Here are the products I used but just a reminder a nuder than nude lip did not go down in glam history.

Primer: Optical Illusion by Urban Decay Shop

Foundation: Dior Star 21 Shop

Powder: Stay matte transparent by Rimmel Shop

Eyebrows: Brunette Sketch and Intensify by Laura Mercier Shop

Eyeshadow: Huda Rose Gold Shop

Eyeliner: Noir exaggerate waterproof crayon by Rimmel Shop

Mascara: Legendary lashes by Charlotte Tilbury Shop

Blusher: Rose shimmer brick by Bobbi Brown Shop

Bronzer: Bronze shimmer brick bY Bobbi Brown Shop

Highlighter: Afterglow by Urban Decay Shop

Lipstick: Snob by Mac Shop

Which are your favourites? Be sure to let me know.

Keep it simple but desirable. 

  

It's the season ... | blogmas

December has finally arrived and we find ourselves once more in confusion as to how the year has passed by so suddenly, but the festive season is here and it's about to be our best yet. It's time to take a step back, revaluate and have a little fun.

It's the season ...

... of city trips and new year getaways

There is nothing more dreamy than finding the time to travel over Christmas. So whether you are city hopping to Christmas shop or jetsetting to warmer climates, if you have the chance to do this - take it. 

I recently visited Edinburgh not only to explore those iconic Christmas markets but to purchase from some of my favourite places, oh and you know I have a thing for department stores. It's times like these that you forget about the minus degrees and your everyday schedule to take time out and have a little 'me' time. Christmas is my busiest period and i'm an avid shopper so I couldn't resist. 

... champagne, sequins, lovers

There is nothing I adore more than a Christmas party, I take any chance of an opportunity to dress head to toe dramatic. The shops are filled with the most ridiculous over the top, vibrant colours and sparkle and they are quite simply out of this world. It's time to bring Paris' 21st mini number into a new era and pair bold and brilliant cuts with faux fur and extravagant accessorising- and no one will question it.

... movies, songs and home decor

Christmas appears to have started early this year with Christmas trees appearing before November has ended. I treasure the time between Christmas and New Year due to a hectic schedule however that does not mean I refrain from surrounding myself with all things festive. Try something a little different this year when it comes to decorating your home. My favourite holiday theme of all time is rose gold and bronze, one trend I just wish would hurry and return. Christmas is about treasuring your home and creating tradition, a rule book you don't have to abide to.

... sales!

The second it hits midnight on Boxing Day my sale shopping begins. Find yourself snapping up some of the hottest seasonal pieces. This is the time of year I always invest in items I know that will last me for years to come the trick is knowing where to look. Everyone has the same idea when it comes to hitting the high streets and shopping centres in the days following Christmas but stores such as net-a-porter, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols are my go to, just be wary as you often have to await for Christmas delivery catch up.

... gift giving

Whilst many despise Christmas shopping for others I can't help but adore. Although you may find it difficult to buy for others there are plenty of hints and tips around that can help you on your way, whether you're picking up gift guides from your favourite stores or getting inspiration off your favourite YouTubers. Both scent and personalisation are things that have mesmerised this year.

... giving back and showing a little love

We have talked about all our festive favourites but Christmas is your time to make a statement. Think about what is important to you, how you can change someones day, and what you can do to make a difference. We always talk about having a voice, particularly in todays society, but do you consider how you can use it? Motivate yourself and others around you. 

Don't be a bystander when it comes to discussion or cause.

It's the season where everything happens. Where no matter what you have entailed this year your priorities refocus and you engage in a little self love. Join me this December as we explore all things festive and all things 2017. 

Merry Christmas my darlings!

Shop my look//

Coat: River Island SHOP 

Top: Zara SHOP

Jeans: Levi SHOP

Boots: River Island SHOP

Handbag: Michael Kors SHOP SIMILAR

Scarf: Burberry SHOP

Blushing | SHOP MY LOOK

   

Dramatic faux, and seasonal coats ... AW17 just keeps on giving

Coat: Zara SHOP

Blouse: Zara SHOP

Jeans: Levi's SHOP

Handbag: Zara SHOP SIMILAR

Boots: River Island SHOP

Sunglasses: Fendi SHOP