Category Archives: brands I love

In the Frame

31st July 2015
It’s lovely as a blogger when brands you’ve worked with previously get in touch and want to collaborate again. I’ve done posts with Specsavers in the past (here and here) and they recently asked if I wanted to pick out a pair of frames for their latest collections- as well as book myself in for a long overdue eye test.
Now, I don’t need to wear my glasses all of the time, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m lazy when it comes to popping them on. Often it’s not until I get a headache or really have to squint to see something that it clicks that I should be wearing my specs but I do find having a REALLY nice pair does motivate me to be more vigilant.

Dress: Topshop (out of stock, alternative) | Sandals: Primark | Glasses: Max&Co c/o Specsavers

Specsavers have some seriously killer styles in stock right now, honestly I don’t know when glasses got so cool. I was therefore very grateful to the lovely lady in my local store who spent ages with me trying on dozens of pairs and helping me make my choice. We settled on Max&Co. for a grown up and edgy style, I wasn’t sure when I saw them on the shelf because of the colour but actually it works so well- proof that you shouldn’t rule anything out before trying it! I was pretty taken with some Cheap Monday sunglasses too (these ones) but decided they would have to wait for another visit.
A quick note on this dress too, isn’t the print just fabulous? I love the Topshop woodland print range, and even though this style seems to be out of stock everywhere at the moment I’m pretty taken with the rest of the pieces too!

What’s your glasses style?

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Posted in accessories, brands I love, life stuff, outfits

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GIF you were here! Holiday Inspiration from Bonprix

26th July 2015
Are you jetting off to sunnier climes this Summer? I wish I could say I was (roll on the end of September!). The team at Bonprix have put together these awesome postcards to give a little inspiration on what to pack for where you’re heading… (just click on the images to see the action full size).
I wish I could be boarding a plane to any one of these destinations right now- as per usual the Great British Summer has been a bit of a let down so far! Are you off anywhere exciting any time soon? Don’t forget to pack your BonPrix style suggestions- but save room in your suitcase for me, too!

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Posted in brands I love, holiday, inspiration

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Pretty Kitty with Vendula London

20th July 2015
Ever since I bought my Mulberry handbag last year I’ve pretty much neglected the rest of my collection- not that it was vast in the first place! However, a recent new arrival at my door has seen me switch allegiences- Vendula London funky handbags clearly know me well as they sent over the most perfectly “Laura” bag I’ve ever seen.

Dress: New Look (similar here) | Shoes: Topshop (get them here) | Bag c/o Vendula (steal my style)

A bag this snazzy needs a simple canvas to hold it against- my denim shirt dress from New Look is perfect for giving it a chance to shine. I also thought I’d debut my new shoe obsession, part of my recent Topshop haul I couldn’t resist this ugly/pretty lace up shoes and have been wearing them with pretty much everything since I’ve finally found a non-flat sandal I can spend all day in.

But back to the bag…isn’t it amazing? I can’t take it out anywhere without getting a handful of comments and although it is smaller than I usually use it’s perfect for day to day essentials for when I don’t want to lug the content of my bedroom on my shoulder.

Vendula don’t just specialise in cats though, oh no…on their website you’ll find everything from thatched cottages to florals (and plenty in-between). Why not take a look and let me know which your favourite is?

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Posted in accessories, brands I love, outfits, shoes

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Snapea Snacking

18th July 2015
I’m a sucker for a new snack, especially of the savoury variety so when I was offered the chance to try out Snapea Rice Sticks by Yushoi I was game on, and more than a little bit excited.
I love that these are a quirky alternative to the traditional crisp, and much better for you too. According to the website description:

“Yushoi Snapea Rice Sticks are baked, free from nuts and dairy, suitable for vegetarians and vegans, high in protein and fibre and have no artificial colours, flavourings or MSG….And there are less than 99 calories per bag or per serving!”

and with an interesting array of flavours I couldn’t wait to tuck in!

Inside the attractive packaging lies little snack sticks that reminded me of peas in a pod, apt given that they are made of green peas and rice. The flavours are unique, standing out from the standard selection on the shelves and I loved each of them in their own way.

The one flavour I was hesitant to try was the sweet chilli and lemon as I really, really do not like lemon flavoured things. I tucked in to this pack first to get it out of the way, but actually the combination really works and I enjoyed every crumb of these. Somehow the lemon and sweet chilli flavours work in perfect harmony to create something special, and not the least bit offensive to my palate.

My favourite flavour was the smoked salt and szechuan pepper. You could really taste the smokiness in the salt and the pepper gave just the right kick. Both the lightly salted and the soy and balsamic vinegar also exceeded expectations in the flavour stakes, and despite the small pack size and low calorie status of these snacks they don’t leave you feeling like you’ve eaten a puff of air, or craving something else to fill a hole.

I can’t wait to see these launch in shops as they are something I’ll be seeking out on a regular basis. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Calbee snacks (the manufacturer) comes up with as they are on to a winner here. For now, if you want to give these a try- and I strongly suggest you should then you can stock up on the online shop, if I haven’t bought the lot first!

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Posted in brands I love, food, snacking

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Wimbledon ready with Lambrini

02nd July 2015
It’s Wimbledon time again! It’s probably the only time of year where I’ll embrace sitting down and watching sport on TV aside from the odd football match under duress so when the folks at Lambrini got in touch to say they had a celebratory cocktail at the ready, perfect for sitting back and relaxing with I thought it very much worth a share.
The cocktail, named the “Lambrini Deuce” features Lambrini So Strawberry (what else?) as it’s hero ingredient and combines gin with balsamic syrup- with a touch of basil to garnish. The gin is optional if you fancied a lower alcohol content tipple, or interchanged with other spirits. Being the gin fiend that I am though, when I do drink, I’ll be serving this up as suggested in the biggest wine goblet I can find!
Here’s how to make this perfect Summer drink:
1. Prepare the balsamic syrup. Mix one part balsamic vinegar to five parts granulated sugar – be sure to stir until dissolved.

2. Pour a small measure of gin (optional) over crushed ice, combining the balsamic syrup and lemon juice as you stir.

3. Take four strawberries, chopped into halves, and add them to the glass.

4. Top with Lambrini So Strawberry.

5. Gently stir and garnish with a couple sprigs of basil

All you need then is a group of your best girl pals, ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the on court action (with buckets of strawberries and cream to snack on, naturally.

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Posted in brands I love, recipes

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