Gift Inspiration: Lolly’s Sweets

I’m not going to lie, I am that person who starts buying the Christmas food the second it hits the shops. It’s one of my favourite things about this time of year- there’s something about everyday favourites coming in festive packaging or novelty shapes that makes it taste that bit sweeter (not to mention the truly seasonal goods like Lebkuchen, we won’t talk about how many bags of that I’ve got through!).

I’m also a fan of giving sweets as gifts, to some it might seem like a cop-out present but for me getting a selection of the recipient’s favourite confectionary and wrapping it up along with some other treats is something that never fails to raise a smile. I’m always delighted to receive something edible and I’d like to direct anyone who wishes to indulge me (or you know, do some actual Christmas shopping) to Lolly’s Sweets who have a huge selection of festive gifting options to suit all tastes and budgets- and you still have a whole week to make your choices and still get delivery in time for the big day!

Top of my person wish list are the fruity liquorice candy cane bites and the truly adorable fruity Rudolph reindeers which look almost too cute to eat! Also on my shopping list are the white chocolate stars which are a real crowd pleaser and would make great favours for the dinner table if you go down that route. There are also plenty of retro favourites available for creating a personalised hamper as well as pre-made hampers such as this epic Reese’s Chocolate one who I think a certain friend might approve of!

What are your favourite festive foods? Do you stock up the second they hit the shops or save yourself for December?

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Silver Screen Style with Lindy Bop

Party season is now in full swing and with it comes some seriously stunning outfit options. I’m kind of gutted that I only have one actual party to go to as I’ve managed to acquire some really lovely pieces over the last few weeks- pretty enough for me to actually want to break free of my anti-social shackles which is quite some achievement! As it stands though there are no more parties on my horizon and instead I am saving this latest arrival from Lindy Bop for Christmas day itself; what better excuse to get dressed up just to spend the entire day at home on the sofa chilling with the family?


Dress
c/o Lindy Bop | Boots: Bertie @ T.K. Maxx (similar)

This dress is from Lindy Bop’s new Silver Screen collection and I can’t explain how much I love it. The embellished bodice is just so pretty and the mesh over satin skirt hangs like a dream. It’s quite a modest dress which is a refreshing change from a lot of what is on offer at this time of year and also a timeless classic that I can wear year on year.

Lindy Bop isn’t a brand I’m ever owned anything from before although I’ve often coveted their dresses on instagram and also through the ever stylish Char’s blog.

Although the Silver Screen range is quite far out of my usual budget I think you do get what you pay for when it comes to an item like this as the quality is second to none and the fit excellent. I currently have my eye on some of Lindy Bop’s regular designs- there is the most wonderful selection of vintage inspired tea and day dresses that are begging to be bought and with prices around the £30-£35 mark once I’m back at work then and bringing home a regular wage this one is totally happening.

Have you got your party outfits sorted?

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Gift Inspiration: Stylish Watches from Accurist

If I’m looking to give a really special gift to someone then one of the first things I look at is watches. I don’t know why but I find them easier to match to personality than say jewellery- perhaps because it’s easier to go for something classic that anyone will love whilst still retaining that special touch. Today’s gift inspiration comes from Accurist watches who have almost 70 years experience of creating watches that excel in style, reliability and quality. I’ve split this in to two parts with inspiration for both the men and the ladies in our lives- if you are looking to treat your other half or spoil mum and dad this Christmas then do read on…

one | two | three

I think the first watch would be perfect for the dads and grandads whilst the rose gold one would be brilliant for a fashion savvy other half or perhaps even brother if you’re feeling generous. The middle watch is just an excellent all rounder and a real classic piece.

one | two | three

I’d be utterly made up to receive any of the three watches in my ladies selection especially the middle one. Again I’ve gone with fairly classic designs which will suit any style personality, of course all with a rose gold edge which I’m still not over!

Have you ever been given a watch as a gift? What do you think of the idea? They also make a great little hint to someone who is always late…

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The Velvet Dress of Dreams

I could barely contain my excitement when I heard that Monki was opening it’s doors in Bristol as it’s a brand I’ve been bordering on obsessed with for a few years now. I love their easy to wear, simple aesthetic and their ever so reasonable prices. Previously I’ve used ASOS or their own website to get my fix but when I found myself in Bristol city centre just after the store opened I decided it’d be highly rude not to pay a visit.

Bolstered by the news that I can return to work in the New Year I decided that I could afford to buy myself a little something and the second I walked in to the store (which is a must visit for any fashion lover, I want it all!) and clapped sight on this dress I knew I had found my item. I’m already planning my next visit in the not too distant future- there’s a jumper dress I just can’t get out of my mind- oh Monki, what have you started?

Dress: Monki (also on ASOS in red and black) | Boots: New Look (another treat to myself, oops) | Headband: Crown and Glory

If I didn’t already have a Christmas party outfit sorted then this is 100% what I would be wearing, Christmas pudding headband and all. I love everything about this dress, from the relaxed fit and way it hangs to the keyhole neck detail…oh and that glorious colour and modest £25 price tag. Perfect with my new pewter boots which I really, really did not need but were the perfect finishing touch to just about every outfit I have planned over the festive period and beyond.

Given how limited my social life is I’m now trying to think up some ways to style this dress for day time without appearing completely OTT- I’m thinking tights and flat boots, or even over a pair of skinny jeans with trainers…if you happen to have any ideas let me know, although I’m not adverse to wearing this just for a jaunt around Tesco.

Any other Monki lovers out there? I’m hoping to go again at the end of this week having quite literally emptied out my piggy bank for the occasion. Saving that small change adds up, I’d accrued £60 since April which more than covers my jumper dress and a few other treats too…

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Gift Inspiration: Sealed with a Kiss by Dower & Hall

So we’ve established by now that I think jewellery makes for the perfect gift come Christmas time- or any time and most of my gift guides this year have featured it heavily. I just can’t help it though, my inner magpie has been well and truly seduced by all the beautiful launches that have come out in time for the festive season and the new “Sealed with a Kiss” range by Dower & Hall is no exception.
The pendants in the collection (and there are far more than I’ve shown above, these are just a few of my favourites) are set with crystal glass at the front and back and hold delicate floating treasures and loose gemstones. There’s a symbol or six for every possible occasion and they make for a wonderful keepsake gift that has both the personal and sentimental touch that is so important when choosing the perfect present.

If you’re as captivated by the collection as I am then you can shop it both online and in store. The pieces are available in sterling silver and 18ct gold vermeil with precious gemstones and crystal glass. Small and large sizes are available with several chain length options. Prices range from £148 to £195.

Which one would you most like to receive as a gift? I’m really rather taken by the triple star and white sapphire one myself.

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No money or goods changed hands for this post, I just really, REALLY love the collection!