Yearly Archives: 2014

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

24th November 2014
What can I say? I love a good festive knit and I couldn’t resist posting on on the blog despite it still being November. That and the fact I’m organising Christmas Jumper Day at work this year (in aid of Save the Children on the 12th December) and I’m trying to summon up some enthusiasm among my colleagues!

Jumper c/o Chiara | Skirt: New Look | Boots: Jonak via Sarenza

I couldn’t turn down the chance to own this Frozen inspired jumper from Chiara which have a brilliant selection this year. This one is so fun and cheerful, the downside been every time I wear it I start humming the frozen soundtrack, despite never having seen the film.

Sorry for the super small image sizes here, I’m not sure what’s going on with that- if you click on the images you can see them full sized. Mae wanted to get in on the action too, by stealing dad’s stuffed polar bear…she just doesn’t miss a trick!

Will you be taking part in Christmas Jumper Day this year? It’s in aid of a brilliant cause and is super simple to organise for your place of work or just amongst yourself and your friends. We’re actually doing it over two days at work due to the nature of people’s working days…someone find me another jumper, stat!

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Posted in charity, christmas, life stuff, outfits

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#dearsally- festive inspiration for tall girls!

23rd November 2014
As we race towards December I realised I’ve been so focused on gift guides that I’ve neglected to put together any posts on outfits for over the festive period. I’ve teamed up once again with Long Tall Sally to put together four looks for over the holidays- perfect for fellow tall girls looking for inspiration!
Christmas Shopping
I always think it’s best to keep it simple when Christmas Shopping, you want to stay calm and comfortable amongst the crowds of people and this all black ensemble is exactly the kind of thing I wear. I love the idea of the chunky funnel neck jumper from the TTYA range paired with skinny leather look trousers, it’ll keep you snug whilst remaining chic. I always favour flats for shopping in as I cannot bear having sore feet whilst charging around. I was instantly drawn to these ankle boots to toughen up the look a bit, finished off with a leather jacket that can easily be slipped off it things get all hot and bothered.
Christmas Party
As a tall girl I like to make the most of being able to wear maxi dresses without falling arse over tit and this metallic black number just screams glamour- it’s an update on the rose gold version I popped in a wish list back in the Summer, and although it might look simple it certainly makes an impact. I’ve added in some chic pointed toe shoes and a big old yeti coat to keep off the chill at the end of the night.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in our house is a casual affair, gone are the days of getting all dressed up, we realised we actually prefer slobbing out in our comfiest casuals where it’s perfectly acceptable to undo a button to make way for the roast dinner food baby we’re all nursing. I love this cute robin sweater and would pair it with some slouchy boyfriend fit jeans and some pristine white converse (just in case I felt like an after dinner stroll).
Gift Ideas
If you need inspiration for your Christmas list or have a tall friend/relative to buy for this year then I highly recommend checking out the gift section on the website. I would 100% welcome a pair of pretty PJs that don’t flap around the ankles, and who can resist a super snuggly dressing gown? I’m also rather taken with the checked slippers and the hot pink hat and scarf…I do hope Santa is taking notes!
What do you think of my choices? What would you have picked?

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Posted in christmas, gifts, inspiration, wish list

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Portable Perfume with Travalo

22nd November 2014
I used to collect perfume samples, no matter what the fragrance was like. I always like to keep a perfume in my handbag to freshen up my scent during the day yet have never been inclined to lug around the full bottle of whatever I’m currently using (my bag is full enough thanks!). I’m totally late to the game on this one but I was recently sent a few of these little gems from Travalo and I can’t believe they’ve been missing from my life for so long!
The little spray bottles are a no spills way to carry around your perfume without exposing it to air (and lessening the quality). At £12.49 I think they are brilliant value as they hold 65 sprays of perfume each and can be used time and time again. They come in a veritable rainbow of colours so there is one to suit everybody and thanks to being glass free they are airline friendly too!
Filling the Travalo is super simple, you literally take the cap off of the perfume you want to use, pop the bottom of the tube on to the plastic connector and pump! I was amazed at how easy it was to do, with no mess or faffing around. Originally I had visions of having to carefully pour perfume in to the container- and anyone who knows me can only image where that would leave me!
I’ve been carrying my Travalo around in my little pouch from Its Not Me Its You so I can freshen up over the course of the day. I’m currently carrying around Optimistic by Paul Smith but once I’ve used that up I think I’ll switch to Prada Candy- my all time favourite scent! Mum and Best Friend have each been given one of these little gadgets too, I was so impressed with mine that I just had to share. In the name of giving an honest review I was trying to find a flaw, or downside to make it seem a little more neutral, but right now I just can’t!
What’s your signature daily scent?

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Posted in life, review

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Best of British (part one)

21st November 2014
It’s been a long time since I had a new addition to my tights collection that wasn’t plain black or nude. Tights used to be “my thing” but ever since I started working pretty much full time there has been less and less place for my crazy colours in my wardrobe during the week and at weekends I tend to find myself slobbing out in jeans and a jumper. Still, when Marks and Spencer offered to send me a couple of pairs from their “Best of British” collection (which celebrates British Design with some cracking pieces) I could hardly say no- the tights queen still resides in me somewhere!

Coat: Joy | Dress: A-Wear | Tights c/o Marks and Spencer | Boots c/o Duo | Necklace c/o Modern Vintage Style | Bag: Mulberry

I’ve not really managed to capture the pattern on the tights here but they are a truly gorgeous grey and black houndstooth which just so happen to be perfect for work. I paired them with this simple skater dress that I picked up a couple of years ago for just £5. I wish now I’d bought a couple as it just gets better with age, it has the perfect flattering fit and is the softest jersey I’ve ever worn. My trusty Duo boots finished the office attire, I’ve been living in this ever since they arrived and I get compliments all the time.
No outfit would be complete at the moment without my pink coat, it’s the redeeming feature of the colder weather and attracts a lot of attention. I’m hopeless at capturing what handbag I’m using on a daily basis but as I was out and about on a little (Christmas) shopping trip with my best friend and my Mum it seemed rude not to pop my Mulberry in to the pictures. I was so worried I would be too scared to use such an expensive bag, but actually I use it most days as it’s the perfect size for carrying around all my rubbish; on a cost-per-wear basis it’ll soon be practically free!
Lately I’ve been wearing this gorgeous necklace from Modern Vintage Style with everything. I love the unusual Smokey Quartz and the way it catches the light. The website is a fairly new find for me and I love everything they have on sale. With a gorgeous mix of vintage and handmade pieces there is something for everyone. My magpie eye has homed in on several more stunners to add to my collection.
This has turned in to quite a lengthy post as for once I have a lot to say about what I am wearing. I have another pair of these tights to style and feature in an up-coming post which I can’t wait to show you…dear tights, I’m sorry I neglected you for so long!

Posted in accessories, brands I love, jewellery, life, life stuff, M&S, outfits, shoes, tights

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Party Perfect from Joy

19th November 2014
With our work Christmas party fast approaching and me being determined to make it in one piece this year (two years ago I was on crutches, last year I was off with two slipped discs) I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect party outfit like a woman possessed. The weekend before last I popped in to my favourite shop right now, Joy in Bristol to catch up with the gorgeous manager Emili and check out some of their new party perfect pieces…Sadly I had to leave empty handed, my budget this year is meagre but I’ll be keeping a sneaky eye out in the sale incase any of these pieces are slashed in price, in which case I’ll be snapping them up for next year!
I had originally intended to try the items on and photograph them being worn, but by the time I had worked a Saturday morning flu clinic and battled rain of epic proportions to get in to town I didn’t really feel in any state to do that (I’m sure Joy would rather their clothes stayed dry) so I made the most of the stunning dressing room instead and got snapping.
I have a bit of a thing for velvet so it was inevitable that I would fall in love with the Khiana Dress which provides the perfect update to the classic LBD. The dress might look simple but in store it is simply gorgeous and I’m bordering on obsessed with texture clash of lace and velvet.

I obviously had lace on the brain as I also made a beeline for the Quilla Top, which I thought would look awesome with the Larue Rose Skirt (I later saw that this is how they styled the top online- twin minds!). I’m not a pencil skirt kind of girl usually but this one is a beauty and with a smart blouse would also be perfect for wearing to the office, which makes the £42 price tag look like a bargain! Next time I’m in store I might have to try this on.

The item that really and truly stole my heart was the Feather Dress and I had to fight myself really, really hard not to buy this at £89. I don’t even know what it is about this dress that’s got me falling so hard and fast, it’s just gorgeous with beautiful detailing in the form of a feather trim and beautiful iridescent “scales”. I still can’t stop thinking about this dress over a week later, I just wish I could justify the splurge!

Last but not least I was also really drawn to the beautiful metallic Stacey Dress which is so on trend with it’s Jacquard print and super luxe finish. The cut out detail on the back of the dress (which I failed to get a photo of) makes the simple cut stand out a bit more, and flashes some flesh whilst remaining classy. I love it!

I would quite like to point out that I wasn’t compensated for this post, or even asked to come along and do it- I literally e-mailed Emili and invited myself along…because that’s how I roll. If you have a Joy near to you then do pop in and check out their gorgeous pieces, I have it on good authority that more is on it’s way. If you’re not as lucky as I am and don’t have a Joy near to you (and don’t fancy a trip to Bristol to see me!) then keep a close eye on the website- but don’t blame me when you forget all about Christmas shopping and treat yourself instead!

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Posted in christmas, shopping

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