American Eagle Lands in the UK

I’ve always been a bit envious of my friends in the USA, I suppose it’s a case of “the grass is always greener”- although the British high street boasts a brilliant array of brands there has always been something very alluring about those exclusive to the states. Over the years that envy has lessened as more and more stores head to our shores (hoorah for Forever 21). The most recent arrival is that of American Eagle Outfitters; America’s favourite brand for jeans, they are brand spanking new to the UK, with their first store opened Friday 14th November in Westfield White City and another yesterday at Westfield Stratford.
American Eagle opened it’s doors in the USA back in 1977 and has plenty of celebrity fans under it’s belt including Emma Watson and Blake Lively. With a style and fit for everyone I’m really excited to see this brand arrive here and I’m already mentally planning a trip to Westfield to check it out for myself…unless a Bristol store is on the horizon any time soon…
To tie in with the launch American Eagle Outfitters have released a video featuring the ever gorgeous Daisy Lowe, oh to be here for a day!

Have any of you shopped at American Eagle before whilst visiting the USA? What are the key styles to check out, I’m going to need to narrow down my shopping list somehow! I could do with some new jeans but I wouldn’t mind adding some other all American classics to my wardrobe too (spending ban? What spending ban?)

9 Festive Knits for Christmas Jumper Day

[postriddle data_game=”//www.riddle.com/Top10/Embedded/2171-9+of+the+Best+Festive+Knits+for+Christmas+Jumper+Day” data_width=”100%” data_height=”auto” data_recommendations=”true” data_share=”false” data_comments=”false” data_info=”false”]

Feeling charitable? Why not give this a share on your blog too and get as many people as possible to sign on up!

The Brighter Side

Sometimes it’s easy to fall in to a rut when it comes to winter dressing, gravitating toward a palette of black, grey and navy just because the sun isn’t shining as much. I know this is something I am very guilty of- last winter I actually made monochrome my “thing” and as much as I do love it this year I want to make more of a conscious effort to embrace bold and bright colours; if nothing else it’s bound to help keep S.A.D. at bay and brighten up those shorter days.
I can’t for the life of me remember where this dress is from. Mum passed it on to me, brand new with tags after it had sat in her wardrobe unloved for a while and I’ve binned the tag and the dress is in the wash…Where it’s from isn’t important though, it’s such a HAPPY dress, the bright colours make me feel instantly cheerful and I do love a simple shape like this.

The photos were taken near Ben’s studio in Stokes Croft, our usual weekend daytime haunt, or base for further potterings around the city. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- this is such a vibrant area full of personality, the perfect place to wear such a busy dress.

The boots came via Shoe Zone last year and have lasted well, they are looking a little worse for wear here though thanks to them getting a thick coating of mud at a fireworks display the night before and a hasty sponge clean! I’m always amazed that I overlooked Shoe Zone for so long, they once again have some really gorgeous boots in stock at super bargain prices- don’t be put off by the cheap price though, I’m yet to have a problem with the quality of a pair from here…

Which clothing ruts are you looking to break out of? No doubt I’ll be back in monochrome before long, old habits die hard and all that…

end

Festive Fashion with Allsaints (guest post)

While it might still seem to be a bit too early to start thinking about Christmas looks and outfits, there’s no denying that the festive season is nearly upon us. As soon as the Halloween rush is over, all the stores are straight on about Christmas Party looks and getting ready for the season.
Personally, dressing up for Christmas is one of our favourite times of the year. There are always a fair few parties, and it’s the prime opportunity to get out all those sparkles and red pieces that you otherwise might not be able to wear.
The Work Party

This is the party where you might need to be a bit more reserved but this doesn’t mean that you still can’t have fun with the outfit. There are some stunning black or silk dresses out there that would be ideal. These are sophisticated pieces that will keep you looking professional enough, but still really stylish. Add in some sparkly accessories and statement shoes and you’ve got a winning outfit. And you’ll definitely need to be wearing that Santa hat.

festivity at office

The Family Party

This is where you can go all out with your Christmas looks, as you’ll have the comfort and warmth of being in at home. Grab something with a bit more colour and print and just put your feet up and enjoy the Christmas meal. Alternatively, you can finish off by adding a Christmas jumper on top of you outfit to give it that extra Christmasy feel. And don’t forget to add in the matching Christmas slippers!

celebrate at home

The Host

When hosting, you want to be as comfortable as possible, while also still looking chic. You’ll be running around all day so you want to make sure that you’re in control and are wearing something practical. Again, a black dress with some colourful accessories and cute flats is sure to keep you comfortable but also looking good. Clinch the look in with a cute and sparkly belt.

hosting

Check out AllSaints for everything you need to look amazing this festive season!

end

Boomf!

Around a year ago now I introduced you lot to Boomf and their awesome idea of making personalised marshmallows. I’m delighted to see the brand go from strength to strength over the last twelve months whilst sticking to their unique selling point, and when they re-contacted me and asked if I’d like to feature another box I had no reservations about saying yes!
Last time I let the folk at Boomf pick the designs, this time I chose myself- and obviously went for a Mae theme.
The Marshmallows are expensive, I’m not gonna lie, at £15.50 for 9 (this includes speedy delivery) they are a luxury gift but in their defence they are something unique, pretty large and very, very tasty and I wouldn’t hesitate in purchasing these as a special gift for someone, nor be upset if someone purchased these as a gift for me! I’d rather get a box of Boomf than a block of posh but stinky cheese…
With Christmas not far away and the hunt for the perfect presents getting up to full speed I think you could do far worse than heading over to Boomf and getting creative…likewise, if you know someone with a special Birthday looming why not purchase a pack, pop some cocktail sticks in the bottom and turn them in to edible cake toppers?
This is one of those ideas that still gets my mind boggling- I want the kind of brain that comes up with such an invention. It’s also one of those ideas that I will forever love and be drawn to…now, who to put on a marshmallow next?

end

P.S. The only downside to putting your pet on a sugary confection is it makes them almost too cute to eat…almost!