Before anyone goes getting excited, this post isn’t about a certain film (or indeed book, which I admit to never reading). It just so happened that my post title fitted perfectly with the colours of the outfit & the weather at the time of taking the photos- grumpy face excused pleased, it started chucking it down with rain in the process of trying to get pictures…oh how I love January!

Clarks recently got in touch with me and asked if I’d like to pick a pair of shoes to review. Sick of wearing nothing but ankle boots for work (and play) I decided to branch out a little and went for these leather peep toes as an alternative. What really drew me to this pair, above all of the other gorgeous new arrivals (seriously Clarks have upped their game once again!) was the heel- the sculpted detail makes a serious impact on an otherwise simple shoe, but remains chunky enough to be comfortable and practical enough to run up and down stairs in. That’s how I can tell I’m growing up, when I think of shoes in terms of practicality over anything else, oh heck!

I recently picked up the dress in my Stylistpick winnings haul, it was in their sale for a meagre £10 and I just couldn’t resist the monochrome daisy print even if it was out of stock in my size. Still, a size up from usual and it makes for a pretty perfect smock dress and the perfect partner for my new shoes- I think I might have just found a staple work outfit for the months ahead! The cardigan I’m wearing doesn’t get nearly enough love, it looks amazing and is oh so super soft, but damn does it shed! I made the mistake of pairing it with a solid black dress once and still keep finding bits of fluff stuck to it…

Have you taken a look at Clarks lately? If you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes (that are comfortable as well as stylish) you can’t go wrong.

While it is always sad saying goodbye to the glorious summer sunshine for another year, or as we call it in Britain, the week we all insisted on wearing shorts, we have to admit that we feel a little bit excited when the clocks change and the long nights draw in. That’s because it’s time to get our winter coats out again!

If you think about it, your winter coat is one of the most important items in your wardrobe. Not only does it need to serve the purpose of defending you against the elements during the coldest months, but it also acts as your external shell for a long period of the year.

A decent winter coat will be worn every day for at least 4 months, so it’s important that you get it right. It is essential that you choose a wonderful winter coat that not only keeps you warm, but also flatters your figure. You may have spent hours carefully selecting some ultra-chic attire, but if you throw on a frumpy old coat you will be detracting from your overall look.

Wrapping up doesn’t mean you have to cover up your curves, and with the right coat you can achieve an elegant and flattering look while staying warm. A long line coat with a belted waist will work wonders if you are looking to accentuate your waist and a flared skirt will act as a distraction if you are trying to draw attention away from your hips. If you are unsure about what style to choose, assess your own wardrobe, carefully examine your most flattering pieces and try to find coats with a similar cut or length as they should be the most flattering shapes for your figure.

When it comes to choosing the design of your winter coat, timeless style always triumphs over modern trends. A simple black ensemble can be transformed into effortless Parisian chic with the addition of a beige trench coat with a belted waist. Aim to find a coat made from fine quality textiles such as wool, cashmere and mohair so you know that you’ll be reaching for it year after year, with the guarantee that it will stay in the same premium condition as when you first purchased it.

Of course, one of the best ways to find a flattering winter coat is to have it tailor made to your own unique figure. While you may think this could be a little pricey, consider how often you purchase a cheaper coat, only to throw it away after a few months because it has either gone out of style or has fallen apart. Tailor made coats are an investment, as they are crafted from high-quality materials, so you know they will withstand many winters. Opt for a classic design and colour to ensure that it never goes out of style.

Another day and another post jam packed full of Christmas gift inspiration. I was recently contacted by the lovely folks over at Flamingo Gifts asking if I’d like to take a little look at the website and pick out a few gifts for review…I didn’t need to hesitate in saying yes, you only need to take one look at the website to see that it’s pretty much a one stop shop for everyone! I eventually managed to narrow down some favourites and a few days later a package bursting full of goodies arrived.

I always like to look for something special and a little bit soppy for my Mum. Between the two of us we own quite a lot of pieces from Spaceform and when I saw this landscape token I just had to add it to Mum’s collection and give her a little something back for everything she does for me. I think Spaceform tokens make lovely little gifts for any person and any occasion. I’ve amassed several over the years and each one makes me think of the person who sent it and what they mean to me.

Next up in the package was this Ted Baker mini pen set which would make a gorgeous gift on it’s own, or could easily be split up between friends to give with a pretty notebook or some girly printed note cards. I love all things Ted Baker and the latest stationary collection is truly covetable.

I already had a single design of these coasters by Sass and Belle and just love it. With a move to my own place on the horizon I thought a set of them would be a perfect way to inject some of my cat lady personality. At £6.45 for the set these would make a brilliant secret santa gift, or little stocking filler.

More cats! But how could anyone resist this kitsch little makeup bag? Again I think this would be lovely to give as a gift as part of a secret santa, or fill it full of beauty treats for your best friend. Mine? Well mine comes with me at weekends when I go and stay with Ben, prompting the “I want a Kitten” whine every time!

Last but by no means least comes this amazing cushion named Pete. Now I may primarily be a cat lady but I also have a penchant for penguins (to the extent my friends adopted me one for my 18th Birthday at Bristol Zoo). Again with a move to pastures new on the brain I thought this would be a great addition to my new home, but on the whole I think cushions make such lovely gifts- who can resist a snuggle up on the sofa with a hot chocoalte and cuddly cushion?

A big old thank you to Flamingo Gifts for spoiling me rotten. I love websites for this where you can shop for several people all in one place. The stock is regularly updated so there’s always something you haven’t seen before and the prices are competitive and delivery is only 99p under £34.99 and free on orders £35 and above- that sets them well and truly ahead of the game in my eyes!

I hope you found some inspiration from this post, what will you be asking Santa for from the Flamingo Gifts website?

I’ve always been a bit envious of my friends in the USA, I suppose it’s a case of “the grass is always greener”- although the British high street boasts a brilliant array of brands there has always been something very alluring about those exclusive to the states. Over the years that envy has lessened as more and more stores head to our shores (hoorah for Forever 21). The most recent arrival is that of American Eagle Outfitters; America’s favourite brand for jeans, they are brand spanking new to the UK, with their first store opened Friday 14th November in Westfield White City and another yesterday at Westfield Stratford.

American Eagle opened it’s doors in the USA back in 1977 and has plenty of celebrity fans under it’s belt including Emma Watson and Blake Lively. With a style and fit for everyone I’m really excited to see this brand arrive here and I’m already mentally planning a trip to Westfield to check it out for myself…unless a Bristol store is on the horizon any time soon…

To tie in with the launch American Eagle Outfitters have released a video featuring the ever gorgeous Daisy Lowe, oh to be here for a day!

Have any of you shopped at American Eagle before whilst visiting the USA? What are the key styles to check out, I’m going to need to narrow down my shopping list somehow! I could do with some new jeans but I wouldn’t mind adding some other all American classics to my wardrobe too (spending ban? What spending ban?)

Ok, I’ll put my hands up right now and admit that I tried and failed (once again) to give up smoking for Stoptober. That now makes three failed attempts this year and I’m feeling pretty fed up with myself at the moment. Still, I thought I’d share some information gathered by My Voucher Codes (that was featured here on TNT magazine) hoping that a) it’s of interest to some of you and b) it provides a point of reference for me ready for my next attempt- “Stopnover” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, but hey there’s no time like the present!

To coincide with Stoptober, www.myvouchercodes.co.uk surveyed over 1,000 adults, male and female, over the age of 18. They asked: “What is the driving factor now for giving up smoking?”

· Over half of the respondents (52%) feel that improving health is a driving factor for giving up smoking
· Thirty-two percent of respondents think that the high price of cigarettes which is pushed even higher up in the UK because of taxes is one of the main issues for people choosing to stop smoking
· Whilst 19% of those asked thought that a factor would be the negative effects smoking has on your family
· The smoking ban in the UK also has an effect with 12% of respondents stating that social implications of smoking is a reason in quitting
· How smoking effects your looks over time also resonated with respondents, 9% thought this could influence people to give up the habit
Seeing how much an average smoker spends on tobacco products in their lifetime might influence people who are considering quitting this Stoptober:

• The average smoker will smoke 13 cigarettes a day which equates to 4,745 each year
• Mayfair King Size cigarettes (one of the popular brands in the UK) cost £7.25 for a 19 pack, totalling an average spend of £1,810.40 a year
• The average UK wage is £26,500 (Net Pay after tax £20,974.72). A 13 cigarette a day habit equates to 8.63% of total income
Money saved from quitting smoking could buy:

• 202 trips to the cinema (average Vue peak time price £8.95)
• 2 Season tickets at Old Trafford (West stand upper £703 each)
• 5x Xbox Ones (£349 each)
• Prada Shoulder bag (£1,650)
• 3 pairs of Jimmy Choo shoes (Mendez suede ankle boots £550 each)
Mark Pearson, founder of My Voucher Codes commented on the findings:

“We all know that smoking is bad for you, so it’s not surprising that improving health is one of the main reasons people want to quit. However the high prices of cigarettes and tobacco in the UK due to the taxes shows that the prohibitive cost also makes people want to quit for good.”

He added:

“When you break down and can see the figures, it might come as a shock to smokers how much they actually spend on smoking and if they quit how much they would save in a year. Being able to buy a designer handbag, football season tickets or even a holiday might persuade people to give up for good and not just for Stoptober.

Stoptober is a joint initiative created by Public Health England and the Department of Health to help people quit smoking for good.