Category Archives: shopping

Spring/Summer transitional style wish list*

09th May 2017

This time of year can be really tricky to dress for. Despite the fact it’s May it hasn’t exactly been the weather for bringing out the little sun dresses and yet wearing knits and ankle boots really doesn’t appeal.

There’s also the matter of under-pinnings. In spring and summer, we often wear lighter fabrics that can show up every lump, especially bra straps and hooks. Invest in a front fastening bra: not only are they easier to take off, but it gives a more seamless look from the back. With no hooks digging in either, they’re a much more comfortable option for warmer days.

I haven’t been inspired enough to start shopping for my Summer wardrobe yet- it’s hard to imagine myself wearing the camisoles and strappy dresses I’m coveting when I’m yet to shed my winter coat but nevertheless I’ve been browsing like a trooper and have popped together a little wish list of some (in my eyes) perfect transitional pieces from two of my favourite retailers.

Tee, Hoodie, Skirt and Camisole Dress: Monki | Loafers and Denim Jacket: ASOS

Layering is a life saver at this time of year and it’s something I’m trying to embrace myself. I’m absolutely loving camisole dresses at the moment and despite their flimsy appearance, with the addition of a t-shirt, denim jacket or even the humble hoodie you have the perfect way to wear it even when the chill in the air catches you off guard.

Midi skirts are also great at this time of year! I pop a pair of tights on with mine to keep off the chill- there is no way I’m braving bare legs right now (in fact, I rarely ever do). If the weather does suddenly hot up then you have a swishy, cool and laid back outfit ready to roll. Perfect with both a fine knit top or a pretty camisole and offering more coverage than the ever-popular mini skirt, for me the midi is a wardrobe staple.

Shoe wise I always struggle at this time of year. I’m sick of my beloved ankle boots by this point and not anywhere near brave enough for sandals. Loafers and trainers are good transitional shoes. Neither look too heavy but offer some toe protection against frostbite! Given that I’m a huge fan of the embroidery trend it’s no surprise that this ASOS loafers made it on to my wish list.

How do you combat the mixed weather at this time of year? It’s hard work when one day you have 20 degree sunshine and the first tan line of the year…and yet the next day it’s back to shivering and wondering why on earth you didn’t think to pack a jacket!

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Posted in fashion, inspiration, outfits, personal style, shopping, wish list

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ChloBo Jewellery Review

08th May 2017
There are some jewellery brands I’ve admired from afar without ever owning a piece. ChloBo is one of these brands– they’ve been on my radar for a long time but somehow I’ve not managed to get my hands on any pieces.

This all changed recently when the brand got in touch offering me a piece from their gorgeous collection for review. Of course I jumped at the chance (who wouldn’t?) and started to make my selection- no easy task with such an extensive, and gorgeous range I can tell you!

In the end I decided on the mini noodle sparkle rice didi hamsa hand bracelet*. I’m a big fan of delicate pieces at the moment and this fitted the bill perfectly.

The first thing to mention about ChloBo has to be the amazing packaging. Bold, bright and in your face whilst still maintaining that high-end feel. The bracelet is made of sterling silver and does come up a little on the small side- perfect for me and my obscenely small wrists but for some people this could be a problem although it does have some stretch in it.

I’ve barely taken this bracelet off since it arrived. It goes with just about every outfit under the sun and pairs perfectly with much of the rest of my jewellery if I feel like changing things up. I’m not normally one for wearing multiple bracelets at once but the idea of layering up half a dozen of these on my wrist 100% appeals and I’m currently contemplating adding the peace and buddha charms to my collection once funds allow.

It’s not just bracelets that ChloBo do well- necklaces, rings and earrings are also available and also very, very covetable. I fear this review might have started a dangerous obsession for me- now I’ve finally had the chance to give ChloBo a try I can’t help but crave more!

Are you familiar with the brand? What pieces have caught your eye?

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Posted in accessories, brands I love, fashion, jewellery, review, shopping, wish list

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A Reminiscent Wish List*

23rd April 2017
I’ve been taking a few trips down memory lane recently, most likely triggered by my rapid approach to the big 3-0 [five days to go!]. I’ve been looking back at all areas of my life, and that includes some of the sartorial choices I made as I was growing up. I went through a phase when I was maybe 16-19 when I shopped almost exclusively at “skate shops”. Probably because my brother was well in to his skateboarding so most trips in to town involve a pit-stop in to one of these- as a result my wardrobe was mostly made up of logo tees, hoodies and ridiculously flared jeans.
I look back on these days with fondness, those were some crazy times and I had a lot of adventures and I think because of that there will always be a place in my heart, and wardrobe from some of my most worn brands at the time. With that in mind I decided to pop together a little wish list featuring some old favourites and new discoveries. Nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia, right?

All items available from Skate Hut

Obviously style and fashions have come a long way in the last decade or more which delightfully means that whilst my old wardrobe would have very little place in with my current collection of clothes, these items are much more up to date and would work quite happily with a lot of what I own- especially my beloved denim pinafore (hands down the best fiver I’ve ever spent).

Do you ever look back at your past fashion choices? I do like to every now and again and now I’ve un-earthed this little phase of my life I’m keen as to get some of it back…I’ll start happily with the Vans sweater and Hype tropical print dress.

Questionable flared jeans no longer necessary!

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Posted in fashion, inspiration, personal style, shopping, wish list

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Indulging my [not so] inner cat lady with Red Candy

17th April 2017
I always have been a bit of a homewares fiend, I blame my mother- she’s the one that got me hooked and introduced me to all of my favourite online haunts for a spot of virtual window shopping. One of the sites she introduced me to a long time ago was Red Candy and it’s been a firm favourite for both of us ever since. I was therefore beyond delighted when the opportunity to work with Red Candy came up- an invitation to select a few pieces to review? Count me in!
It probably comes as no surprise that I went to the search function and typed in “cat”. There is a delightfully large selection of feline themed items available on Red Candy and I was lucky enough to be sent my top three, which you can see above.

Before I move on to the specifics I just wanted to say what a delight Red Candy is, and always has been to browse. It’s a clean, easy to navigate site with a wide range of search options and categories to make finding whatever it is your heart desires a cinch. My parcel arrived well packaged and with the added bonus of a little packet of Haribo sweets too- I’m always straight in there when Mum has placed an order nabbing the sweets, I think it’s such a nice touch.

The first item I picked out was this fabulous plate. I’m a complete magpie and always make a beeline for dining accessories, it doesn’t matter how many plates/bowls/mugs I own, I can always find room for one more. I’ve always been told not to play with my food but with a plate like this how can one resist?

Next to catch my eye was this gorgeous lucky cat pen pot which is a brand new addition to the site. I’m dreadful for leaving pens and pencils strewn across my bedroom so having a cute and quirky way to store them has been a huge help and I can’t help but smile at it’s happy smiling face!

Last but by no means least I picked out this Peropon drinking animal planter. I’m not exactly green-fingered (I’ve killed two succulents already this year) but I really don’t see how I can go wrong with this self watering planter. I’ve got it set up on my windowsill right now and I’m eagerly awaiting the first signs of some strawberries appearing…I’ll report back on my progress with that one!

A huge thank you to Red Candy for the excellent service over the years and for this wonderful parcel of products. Fellow homeware junkies do take a look at the site and let me know in the comments what’s caught your eye.

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Posted in brands I love, cats, review, shopping

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The Details

12th April 2017
I’m not entirely sure what to say about this outfit. It’s one of those that isn’t typical “Laura” style and yet it’s one I really liked. As I’m still working very much part time at the moment I’ve really been embracing the casual approach when I’m at home- it’s gone from being a bit of can’t be bothered kind of thing to something that I can relax and enjoy.

Tee: Daisy Street | Jeans: Noisy May at Very | Shoes: New Look

It’s a bit of an embroidery detail overload here but I’m rollin’ with it. The jeans were a bit of an impulse buy to be honest, not my standard skinnies by any stretch of the imagination. I was suckered in by the “sorry I’m late I didn’t want to come” slogan (despite I’m never late for anything, ever!) and when they arrived I was quite taken with the laid back fit. It’s good to change things up from time to time right?

I pretty much lived in this Daisy Street tee last year, on rotation with the three others I own and now the warmer weather is here I don’t see that changing any time soon. I’ve already declared my love of slogan tees so I won’t ramble on but they really can’t be beat.

The shoes were another impulse buy. Enamoured with the floral embroidery and pretty pink colour I couldn’t resist placing a sneaky New Look order a few weeks ago despite my preference for either ankle boots of converse. I’m determined to get the wear out of these though, they are just so pretty (and comfortable) and pretty perfect to bridge that gap between boots season and sandal season.

Ok, so essentially this is a post about nothing much in particular. I just wanted to share the outfit without really having anything to say for myself. I’m still in that re-adjustment period of being back in work, settling in to routine and building up a pretty nice life outside of it too. I’ll try and bring something more structured to the table next time and in the mean time…what have you been buying lately?

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Posted in fashion, life, life stuff, outfits, personal style, shoes, shopping

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