Seventies Style

Ever since it became apparent that the fashion world was shifting away from skinnies I’ve been obsessed with finding the perfect pair of flared jeans. I searched all over the high street but eventually ended up back at my original starting place, as is so often the case. I’m not usually one to jump on to a trend bandwagon but the Summer Seventies revival has got me, completely got me. I have a huge yearning to fill my wardrobe with floaty maxi dresses, a-line mini suede skirts and bell bottoms galore.

Jeans: Mango at ASOS (dark wash version) | Top: New Look | Ring c/o Hazel and Kent

It has been a long time since I last owned a pair of Mango jeans and I had forgotten just how much I rate the brand for denim- I find it suits my height and build perfectly, where other brands don’t seem to. It was love at first sight when I saw this 70’s flared pair on ASOS for a mere £22, they have since sold out but I have linked to the indigo version above (next on my list I think!).

I’ve come to realise over the last few weeks that I own very few tops that aren’t basic vests or knits, which makes putting outfits together problematic at times. I saw this gypsy style number in my local New Look and couldn’t resist, it was made for pairing with these jeans and as it also comes in a tan colour I might be going back for another.

I think gold jewellery might have gone with this outfit better but I couldn’t wait to show off this statement silver ring from Hazel and Kent (a brand I discovered through the e-tail PR blogger network). I can’t find the exact style on the website anymore but there are similar styles available for under a tenner- such a bargain for such a statement, high quality piece!

All I need now is some platform sandals for when the weather warms up and this outfit is good to go, I’m dying to get out of ankle boots and (on a good day) trainers…come on weather, it’s time to let me free those feet!

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First Thoughts on Philosophy

Don’t worry, I’m not about to go all deep on you with this post; today is all about cult beauty brand Philosophy who I was recently introduced to by the kind folk at John Lewis. As is often the case with me I’m late to the game in trying out a brand that is a firm blogger favourite, but better late than never eh? That’s certainly the case here.
All products c/o John Lewis
You know you’re in for a good weekend when a package like this arrives, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and try it all out.

The first product I tried out was the Fresh Cream Eau de Toilette which has quite possibly topped my list as favourite perfume ever. I’m not quite sure how to describe the fragrance- it’s fresh, it’s sweet and it’s delicious and perfect for every day wearing. A spritz of this is an instant mood boost for me, I love sweet scents and this is just sweet enough without being over bearing or sickly. Perfection.

The second product was the Fresh Cream Shower Gel which again has the fresh, sweet and soothing scent of the perfume. I’ve been using this as a wind down at the end of the day, I find the scent ever so soothing and perfect for washing away the stress of the days. I’ve eyed up the Philosophy shower gels before but haven’t been able to get past the price tag, but this bottle is going to last forever and I think it’s high time I adopted a quality over quantity approach to my toiletry buying from now on.

The third and final product in the package was the one that caused the most intrigue. I love a good facial but can’t afford them on a regular basis and don’t always feel in the mood for having someone in my personal space (the same reason I rarely visit a hairdresser). The Microdelivery Peel Kit is the perfect solution to getting the facial experience at home and couldn’t be easier to use, or feel more luxurious. After months of central heating and drying cold air this has bought a much needed glow back to my face. It might be pricey but works out a lot cheaper than heading to a salon- it also looks rather snazzy in the bathroom cabinet which is always a plus don’t you think?

Are you a fan of Philosophy? I have a birthday coming up so if you have any product suggestions I could always pop them on my wish list…

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In the Pink with Your Dreamcatcher

Last year I introduced a new loungewear brand on the blog; Your Dreamcatcher fast became a favourite in the blogging world when seeking for the perfect chilling out gear so I was excited to hear from Julia about some new, pink pieces that they were launching.

Vest c/o Your Dreamcatcher | Jeans: Bershka

Blogging about and loving fashion doesn’t mean I want to dress up all of the time, sometimes nothing beats sticking on your favourite pair of skinny jeans (and I realise now they are the same ones I am wearing in my last Your Dreamcatcher post) and a slouchy vest. I love the relaxed fit of this one, it’s so soft and comfortable and at only £10 it is excellent value. If vests aren’t your thing then there is also a t-shirt available in the new baby pink colour alongside the original (and still awesome) line up of products on the Your Dreamcatcher website.

What do you wear when you’re chilling out? Note the bare feet- I hate wearing shoes and/or socks when I don’t need to, my feet are at their happiest when they are naked!

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Baby Blues

This season I am inexplicably drawn to the colour blue, more specifically of the sugary sweet pastel variety. It’s not a colour I’ve ever expressed great love for before, but more and more I find myself heading towards it in shops and when browsing online. Luckily there is no shortage of it right now, and it suits me (I’m trying to forget my bright yellow phase of years gone by…)

Dress c/o Hybrid | Shoes: Clarks via McArthur Glen, Swindon | Bracelet c/o lolaandgrace

A bit of a change of scenery for these photos, forced indoors thanks to a hail storm that lasted all afternoon- just typical when you have a photo session planned! Thankfully our conservatory get’s good light in the afternoon otherwise this dress would still be hanging up unworn! I’ve been very fortunate and sent several dresses from Hyrbid over the last few months and they never fail to make me feel amazing. They aren’t on the cheap end of the scale but are honestly worth every penny- I’ve got this little number (the Atherton style, also available in ivory) earmarked as a potential for a wedding in May as it’s so beautiful in it’s simplicity. What really makes this dress stand out for me is the collar, made out of satin for a gorgeous contrast effect. I thought the gold accessories worked well with the baby blue of the dress, but a pastel colour of any kind would lend itself equally well.
I hope everyone has today off work to sit back and relax. It feels like only hours ago that it was Christmas and yet here we are at the Easter Weekend already. I’m looking forward to spending a few days catching up with my brother who is home for the weekend (nicely timed with his Birthday tomorrow) and generally getting a break from the exhausting cycle of work, rest and play!

What do you have planned? What colours are you loving right now?

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Degusta Box- the March Edition

Well, here we are flying through the year and flying through the monthly arrivals of Degustabox. The March box has created ripples of excitement among those reviewing it, and I have to say it has hands down been the best box ever (to date, for they do keep surpassing themselves!) I’m sure that by now you’re all familiar with what the box is about, but just in case you’re not, it’s a monthly food subscription box that delivers a selection of new and surprise products to your door for the cost of £12.99 per one off box or £11.99 per month when you take out a bi-annual subscription. I’ve been reviewing the boxes over the last year and they never fail to impress me and get me eating outside of my comfort zone.
With the imminent arrival of Easter is was fitting that this box should be in conjunction with Lindt and include 2 bags of their Lindor assorted mini eggs (£2 per bag) which make for the perfect little indulgence at this time of year. As much as I love “real” chocolate, when it comes to these the white chocolate are my favourites, it’s been known for me to empty the bag of those before dividing the rest out among whoever is around to share the rest.
I was really excited by the savoury inclusions in this month’s box, both were new to me and right up my street. The first of these was a tub of noodles from Kent’s Kitchen (£1.75) which were delicious as a work lunch and made a refreshing change from my usual soup or sandwich. They are so quick and easy to prepare and tasted great! I’ll be keeping an eye out for these in the shops and treating myself every now and again.
The second item was a very chic looking bottle of sauce from BBQUE (£3.99). Second to ketchup, BBQ is my favourite sauce to add to food and this one is amazing. Perfect in a little dish at the side of your plate or smothered all over chicken. A luxury item but well worth it.
Even the drinks front of the March box had be interested and this is usually the part I’m not so fussed about as I’m a creature of habit with my liquid intake. Soft drink wise I’ve very much been enjoying the JuiceBurst bottles (£1.25 each) which were really tasty and refreshing and the Crabbie’s Fruits (£1.50 each) in Black Cherry and Raspberry and Rhubarb have been ear marked for a weekend treat despite my usual aversion to alcohol.
Being a granola fiend (but somewhat funny about food still) it was lovely to see a lighter addition in the box from Jordans (£3.69) with 30% less fat and plenty of fibre. I’ve been enjoying this stirred in with some greek or natural yoghurt and fresh fruit for a healthier but substantial afternoon snack. There were also some new items from Nativa and Brioche Pasquier which I am yet to try. The sweetener will probably get taken to work as I’m not a fan of Stevia personally, although I could use it as a sugar alternative in baking. The baked bread bites from Brioche Pasquier look tasty, although Bacon isn’t one of my favourite flavours, they do appear to be a tasty sounding alternative to crisps though and no doubt I will try them soon!
Anyone who knows me will know that you can win me over with sweeties, so the inclusion of Bassetts Jelly Babies in Berry mix flavour (£1.48) and Sour Patch Kids (£1.00) was instant approval of the March box as far as I am concerned. Both have long since disappeared and were very much enjoyed, I had forgotten how much I love jelly babies!
So there we have my thoughts on this month’s box. Those who have received it, what did you think? If this post has swayed any of you to sign up then I have a £3.00 discount when you register using the code BQXK9. Let me know if you sign up and what you think!

You can find out more about Degusta by visiting their Twitter or Facebook pages.

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