This week I received an e-mail from Phase Eight inviting me to take part in their Blogger Party Outfit Challenge with the chance to win a £250 voucher to spend in store. It was quite timely really with my current obsession with the shop and also my party themed posts…you can see my entry above with the vital details below…

1. The Dress: I chose the Lorabelle Sequin Dress at £130. I’m bearing an office night out in mind for this post and I wanted something striking but not too revealing. The classic shift shape of this dress combined with killer blue sequins to make a statement makes this dress perfect. I am loving the perfect blue shade too, it reminds me of fairy lights for some reason…

2. I wanted to keep jewellery simple with such a standout dress and although Phase Eight deem this Beaded Bracelet as a perfect casual piece (and only £12) I think it works really well as a solo accompaniment to the dress. Going without jewellery is a party no-no for me but I didn’t want to overshadow the sequins.

3. Likewise with the bag, I wanted something understated but stunning. This Beaded Clutch Bag costs £55 and is just the right side of bling. I’m a fan of silver against blue and it ties in with the colour theme quite nicely! I’m usually a big bag kind of girl but I think I can manage to squish phone, keys and cash in to this quite easily (though it may take some effort not to put it down somewhere and forget it!)

4. And finally the shoes. I have no idea how my foot will be by party season so I wanted to go for something pretty but supportive. The Edina T-Bar Platforms tone in nicely with the rest of the outfit but don’t look like they’ll leave me limping. Although they cost £110 I see these as an investment because the classic style means they can easily be dressed down for day, too.

Ok,
so I’m talking like I can afford this little lot, and if I could I would buy this in a heartbeat. There is always pressure to impress at the office do, especially when you are surrounded by high flying GPs! Fingers crossed I get lucky and can at least treat myself to the dress and shoes…

What do you think of my dream outfit? What would yours be?

xxx

P.S. Check out the Phase-Eight blog for more on this and how to enter for yourselves.

The British high street offers quality, style and affordability and makes those on- trend looks available to all. Those not wanting to part with their favourite brands, but with an eye on their finances, can also benefit from our high street shops. Mixing key luxury items with more affordable high street pieces is a great way to add to your wardrobe this season without breaking the bank! High street go-tos like Topshop are always reliable.

One of the best investment purchases you can make is a designer bag. A high quality handbag will last throughout changing seasons and still look hot despite the coming and going of trends. The selection of bags at Avenue 32 is a great starting point, and offers distinct styles from a number of designers. Black leather and gold detailing are timeless handbag features and are showcased to great effect in this oversized calfskin tote by 3.1 Phillip Lim. The industrial side zips and panel fastening add interest, though are not trend-specific, making this an enduring and transitional piece.

Your taste in colour may change over time, so tan leather is another safe option when designer bag shopping. A tan bag works well with laid back and casual outfits from Avenue 32 clothing and often becomes an integral part of your daily look! A satchel style works best in brown tone, such as this Proenza Schouler number, available in chestnut leather. The short handle also makes this a briefcase-esque workwear option, whilst attaching the longer handle will exude a back-to-school charm.

Both of these options work well for the office, and if you’re thinking of updating your wardrobe, consider the high street for complementing and affordable pieces. Oasis offers a fabulous range of office-appropriate attire, such as this Katie jacket. The single button fastening creates a sleek silhouette and the simple pocket detail avoids looking over-fussy. The natural, nude tone is also a lighter alternative to traditional black, which can leave you looking drab in the winter months. Why not team it with this Bonnie blouse by Reiss, which features a similar natural tone, and contrasting darks in its artsy print. Crafted from silk, this purse-friendly buy will still feel ultra-luxe.

A designer coat may seem an extravagance, but again, choosing high quality and timeless style means a piece of branded outerwear will last for many seasons. There are few more iconic coats than the Burberry trench. The lightweight gabardine versions from their London collection may not be warm enough for the winter weather, but this cotton tweed number is sure to keep you cosy. Traditional gabardine still features, but is broken up with tweed panels, referencing British heritage style.

Keep with the Great British theme by sourcing other outfit essentials from high street stores like Aubin and Wills, which offer that traditional ‘weekend in the countryside’ look without the hefty price tag. Wrap up warm in this Nevilleton jumper, made from 100% merino wool. The longer length will look gorgeous teamed with thick leggings and chunky ankle boots.

Buying key investment pieces makes designer fashion available to all. Combining stand-out items with complementing essentials from the high street makes it easy to create a luxe winter look for less.

Go forth and shop!

xxx

Having oily and spot-prone skin can sometimes feel like a constant battle to hide blemishes and keep
spots under control. The good news is that there is a wide range of products on the market which are specifically targeted at this problematic skin type.

To help keep your spot prone skin under control, you may need to give it a little more TLC than those with normal skin. Most of these processes can be easily adopted as part of your daily cleansing routine and using the right products is always essential.

Cleanse twice daily

It is important that people with oily skin cleanse both in the morning and at night to ensure that their pores are kept clear. Clogged pores are one of the biggest culprits in causing spots so addressing this issue will have an immediate effect.

If you have oily skin you should also use a “soapy” or gel based cleanser as these will help strip any excess oil away from your skin and clean pores more deeply than other options.

Always use a toner

For those with oily skin, your skin care regime needs to be more thorough and comprehensive than those with normal skin. In the effort to ensure all traces of dirt and oil are removed, cleansers are not always sufficient. Applying a toner with a cotton ball after cleansing will remove any of these leftover traces of grease and dirt – giving you a clean canvas on which to moisturise.

Pay particular attention to grease prone areas such as the chin, nose and forehead, which can be especially susceptible to spots.

Use a light moisturiser

Moisturisers come in a whole range of consistencies to cater to every type of skin. Take the Johnson’s Skin Care range for example. These include moisturisers which are specifically designed to optimise the look and feel of all types of skin, from oily complexions to those with dry and flaky skin.

Whilst many people with oily skin tend to skip on using moisturiser in the belief it will only make their skin greasier, this is a huge mistake. All skin needs to be moisturised in order to replace the moisture it loses during the day. Oily skin sufferers should opt for a light moisturiser which will help give their skin the moisture it needs without clogging up the pores.

Oh AllSaints, so often admired and so totally out of my price league. I’ve been torturing myself browsing through their lookbook lately and have fallen head over heels with this particular ensemble; what do you think?

Vital Stats-

Coat: Check Gaboury Parka, £395

Jeans: Roseport Ashby, £75

Boots: Jules Biker Boots, £175

I’m not going to be the only one hoping to win the lottery tonight, am I?

xxx

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