New Season Inspiration and Wish List*

I just love the start of a new season, the time where I start planning a few purchases and browsing my favourite blogs, fashion sites such as Grazia Daily and my huge catalogue of fashion retailer favourites to get ideas about looks I want to channel but never quite get around to pulling off. Of course temptation is everywhere and I could probably post a wish list every day for a month without quite getting through everything that’s caught my eye (but I won’t do that, I don’t want to become tedious!) but I did think I’d pop together a post with a few pieces that I’d love to make mine- you know, if I were a rich girl.

Jumper | Skirt | Cape | Suede Dress | Pinafore | Loafer | Jeans | Culottes | New Season at F&F | Bag

Basically what I’m loving most right now is that the pieces I enjoyed the most from Spring/Summer have been given an update for the cooler months ahead. Some of my favourite brands have totally upped their game and bought out some killer collections too, F&F at Tesco have got some of the best knitwear and outerwear that I’ve seen so far and gain major bonus points for being available as you do your food shop- also lethal as I’m prone to forget fridge essentials at the best of times! I’m hoping to rustle up some pennies for chunky knits, all things suede and of course something feline themed! My most major mission though is for some heeled loafers, perfect for the office AND with mini skirts and chunky tights for weekend chic.

What are you coveting as we head in to Autumn? And where do you gain most inspiration from?

Sundried

I love it when a new brand bursts on to the scene and although Sundried doesn’t officially launch until 2016 I was recently sent a couple of pairs of their awesome sunglasses to get a feel for what they do.

Sundried is a brand and collective that’s all about design led style and innovation. Created to perform pre, post and during exercise (or you know, just to look cool) Sundried uses only responsibly sourced materials and as a low carbon brand have a minimal environmental impact. They encourage healthy lifestyles, keeping you looking cool whilst pushing yourself to your limit. Not that I do much limit pushing personally, at least not when it comes to exercise. Still I respect any brand that wants to do good and I seriously love their super cool shades.

I really love both of these styles, the blue pair (style name Lima) are so cool it hurts. I was a bit unsure when I picked these, I thought they might be a little garish but I’m glad I went with them because they are perfect with casual outfits when the sun does shine. The brown pair (style name Aire) might be a little tamer in colour but still pack a definite punch when worn. These will be packed in my case when I head out to Spain in a few weeks- perfect for chilling out exploring cities or lying poolside.
To follow the Sundried story and get more updates on the brand launch you can follow their social media channels by clicking on the following links: Facebook | Google+ | Twitter
Let me know what you think!

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Beauty Love: Fake tan from Lauren’s Way

Now here’s a post I never ever saw myself writing, a fake tan review! I’ve always been a bit scared of the stuff to be honest, I’m so pale (see evidence below) that I assumed that even a light shade would leave me looking like I’d run through a shower of orange paint. Still, when Lauren’s Way sent me a bundle of goodies I figured I had nothing to lose and bravely ventured in to new territory.
This is a photo from last Summer but shows what my legs are like minus my usual nude coloured tights. Even two weeks in Spain the year before that did little to change my colouring and over the years I’ve just got used to the fact that whilst everyone else turns golden (by natural or un-natural means) I was destined to stay milk-bottle white.
I was sent the gradual tan* as well as a tanning mitt* for easy application. Apart from the fact my “after” photo is really bad quality taken on my phone (how hard is it to capture your own legs on screen? you can see that after just one application there is a subtle, golden sheen going on which is exactly the kind of result I was hoping for. I was a bit put off by the “medium to dark” label on this, but as it’s a gradual tan the idea is you can build up the colour you want with a number of applications. This was after one application, about an hour later. Overnight the colour did deepen a little but still looked lovely and natural.Another thing that had put me off of fake tan in the past was the faff involved in applying it and then waiting around for it to dry and develop. After just 60 seconds of putting this on you’re good to get dressed again and I didn’t notice orange all over my bed sheets in the morning either which is always a bonus because I hate washing bed sheets and making up a double bed at the best of times.

Although I don’t have anything to compare it to having never tried DIY tanning before I was really impressed with this and will be using it all over before I head to Spain at the end of the month so I look like I’ve seen some sunshine this year. A 250ml bottle costs £13.95 which I think is pretty reasonable as for me, using just one application, even full body you’d get quite a few tans out of this.

Have you tried Lauren’s Way before? Let me know what you thought of it, and if there are any other tans you’d recommend I try.

I was also kindly sent some lovely Daytime Dazzle lashes which I’ve tried numerous times to apply and review. Laura and fake lashes just do not get along though- no reflection on the brand at all, it’s happened with every pair I’ve tried. Any fool proof tips gratefully received as these look seriously lovely and I want to wear them!

https://www.lilymink.com/

Happiness Boutique

Isn’t Happiness Boutique the cheeriest name for a shop ever? Having admired their wares on twitter over the last few months I was delighted and flattered when they got in touch with me asking if I’d like to pick a piece from their site. It wasn’t the easiest of jobs, with a website jam packed full of stunning vintage style clothing and accessories narrowing down choices was tough. In the end I settled on the most perfect little necklace and I couldn’t be happier with it.
I opted for this delicate golden daisy necklace because well, Daisies are my thing and as much as I love a good statement necklace I knew this would get a heck of a lot more wear. Given that this was sent from Germany it arrived incredibly quickly and in the sweetest packaging- I love it when a brand clearly takes pride in what they do.

If statement jewellery is more your thing then you’ll be spoilt for choice on the Happiness Boutique website, I’ve popped a few examples/some of my favourites below but feel free to let me know what you’re coveting the most in the comments…

Everything on the site is really reasonably priced and Happiness Boutique are determined to spread the smiles globally as they offer free shipping on all orders as well as a generous reward programme. This is one shop that makes me very happy indeed, I’m already planning another order.

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(Insta) life recap: 8

A little late with my instagram round-up post this time round- I know, I know everyone is just so gutted! Anyway, better late than never for my fellow nosy people. If you want to see more then give me a follow on my instagram account and make sure you leave your details below!
As ever hover over the photos for the caption and click on it to see full size. Have you done an instagram post this month? Leave the link in the comments and I’ll be sure to check it out.

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