An Autumn Wish List*

03rd October 2016

It’s October, how the heck did that happen? There’s no denying now that we’re in the grips of Autumn, hopes of a belated Summer shattered (although remember that year when we DID get an October heatwave?) and the knitwear ready to be unleashed ready for snuggling with the cat and a mug of tea. I don’t think I’ve actually done an Autumnal wish list yet- at least not on the blog, there are plenty in my head and stored in my bookmarks so here are just a few of the things I am coveting right now.

This season I am apparently all about the textures, if it’s velvet/fluffy/even vaguely stroke-able I want it and I can’t remember the last fashion season where there was SO MUCH good stuff on the high street. Everywhere I turn there is temptation in the way and I am seriously in need of getting back to work and earning some money ASAP!

Oh and the cat beanie? Technically it’s a Halloween thing. If I get my paws on it you can bet it’ll be worn all winter long…once a cat lady, always a cat lady!

What’s on your current wish list?

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A gift with a twist- Personalized Flowers

02nd October 2016

Flowers always make for a lovely gift in my eyes, perfect for saying “well done”, “get well soon”, “thank you” or simply just because. I was recently contacted by Personalized Flowers about their twist on the traditional gift, they offer the option of sending a stunning rose to someone complete with a personal message printed directly on to the flower itself. Intrigued by how this could work I found myself taking up the offer of a rose*, choosing to have it printed with a simple thank you to my parents because lately, more than ever they have gone above and beyond with their love and support.

The rose arrived in sturdy cardboard packaging meaning it survived the postal journey- always a plus when sending a gift! It was housed in a self contained pod of water and made for an attractive offering. I wasn’t sure how printing on to a fresh flower would actually translate but the effect was nice and lasted for as long as the rose did (about a week for the record). Both myself and my parents were really taken with this, it could be seen as a bit of a gimmick by some but it was nice for them to be able to display this token of appreciation and for me to find something to give them that isn’t yet another bundle of chocolate.

The ordering process is simple, you can select from one of four colours for the rose (orange, white, yellow or pink) and then customise with either no message (£5.99), a pre-set message (£7.99), a custom message (£8.99) or for a gift that will truly last you can select a silk rose for (£9.99) with a message of your choice. You can add in a card at no extra cost and select a delivery date to suit you.

It’s not something I’ll be sending all of the time- it’s not the cheapest gift around but as a unique concept and the chance to send something a little bit different I think it’s a great idea and a well executed one.

Who would you most like to send a rose to right now?

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Gift Ideas for the fashion loving men in your life*

01st October 2016

Sorry guys, it’s October and I am dipping my toes in to the world of thinking about Christmas. I’ve started my shopping thanks to needing to be ultra careful with money this year and I figured there will be people out there in the same boat, or who just like to be organised and so I’m starting my content earlier than ever. Please don’t worry though- I’m not going to be all “yay Christmas” about it and shove festive posts down your throat every day…it’s going to be gentle.

Today I’m kicking off with some gift ideas for the men in your life. I might be (not so) young, free and single these days but I still have a brother and a father to buy for both of whom love to shop and take an interest in clothes and I’m sure I won’t be alone in that. I’ve popped together a few picks from men’s fashion store stand-out.net that should cater for all tastes and budgets.

With a wide range of brands including Levis, Happy Socks, Ray-ban and Eastpak (barely scratching the surface here) this is pretty much a one stop shop for the fashionable blokes in your life.

Let me know what gift guides and features you’d find most useful this year, I’ll do my best to cover it all!

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Thoughts on False Nails

30th September 2016

I’m not usually one to bother with my nails- I used to, and don’t get me wrong there is nothing more satisfying than a fresh manicure but after six years of working in healthcare in a role that requires short, neat and naked nails I’ve kind of fallen out of the routine.
Obviously having not been in work now since April I’ve had time to experiment a bit more- initially in the form of a bright and beautiful shellac, but as time went on and money dwindled a DIY manicure has had to suffice. So it was with great delight that I was sent a whole heap of products from KISS which gave me a chance to experience salon style at home.

All products c/o Kiss*

Up until now my experience with false nails has been limited to just once or twice. I’ve always thought they weren’t for me as my nails (well my thumb nails) are broad and the one time I did try them I had lost half a set by lunch time. Still, I was prepared to give things another shot, KISS is one of the leading brands out there so I was confident that if anyone could change my mind it would be them.

And to an extent they did. Pictured on my hand is the imPRESS press on manicure which could not be easier to apply. You simply match up the nail size, remove the tab and press on your nail. I didn’t have high hopes for these but I made it over 24 hours without losing one and the length was perfect for someone who isn’t used to having long nails. I preferred the pretty nail art designs to the french manicure style- that looked a little too false for my personal tastes but I was still imPRESSED (sorry) with how these lasted and with more perseverance I could have got a lot longer wear out of these by simply re-gluing it.

The red gel fantasy nails were my firm favourite from the bunch. These looked exactly as I’d hope a salon manicure to and again were super quick and easy to apply.

Turns out false nails have come a long way since my initial experiment with them (which if I recall correctly was a £1 pack from Primark that ended in a massive mess) and with party season fast approaching I’ll be seeking out the perfect pack to complement my outfits whilst saving £££ on a salon manicure.

KISS and imPRESS nails are available from both Boots.com* and Superdrug* and although I am yet to try every product I’ve been sent you can check out my instagram for snapshots and more thoughts as I do give them a whirl.

If you have any top tips for wearing falsies, or have any specific recommendations then do let me know…I’m game on for further expanding my horizons.

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Down at the Piano Bar with Vendula London

28th September 2016

The champions of unique Vendula London creative bags have done it again with their gorgeous new collection of handbags. I have quite a collection of Vendula London by now but I think my latest addition, from their Piano Bar collection has to be a favourite.

Dress: New Look | Blouse: H&M | Loafers: New Look | Bag c/o Vendula London

This bag, in what appears to be a first for Vendula London has actual glitter on it. You have no idea how happy this makes me! I opted for the pink version of the bag but it also comes in black. Other than the colour there is one small difference in that the pink bag has a finer glitter which won’t damage clothing whereas the black has thicker, coarser glitter that is only on the front of the bag to avoid potential damages. The attention to detail on Vendula bags is second to none, these are real statement pieces that are well worth every penny of the price. If piano bars aren’t your thing then make sure to check out their other collections…Downtown Abbey fans you’re in for a treat!

This is such a classy piece that dresses up any outfit. With my sights set firmly on getting back to work soon I decided to pop on an office appropriate outfit and I feel that this bag works well with it…but it would also look great with a party dress for a swanky night out.

The pinafore dress is the same as the purple one I featured the other week but in black from the tall range. At under £15 I couldn’t resist getting both, and the h&m blouse was another ridiculous bargain at under a tenner.

This post is a bit all over the place, which pretty much sums up myself right now too. I’m working on getting my head straight though so in the mean time just sit back, relax and enjoy the whole point of this post- the glorious handbag!