Palm Trees and Ocean Breeze

I’m a sucker for a good co-ord set, I’ve said before I think they are a bargain really as you essentially get three outfits for the price of one. I was recently sent a fabulous little set from Blue Vanilla (thanks to e-tail PR) and couldn’t wait to feature it in an outfit post. Come to think of it my last post that featured Blue Vanilla had a palm tree theme to it as well!

Co-ord c/o Blue Vanilla & e-tail PR | Shoes: Topshop (get the look)

Isn’t the skirt on this set incredible? I love a flared mini skirt and this one keeps it’s shape really well. It’s also a decent length which is something given I’m pretty tall and it means that with a smart black top and some flat shoes I could totally wear it for work! I didn’t realise the top part of the set was cropped until I tried it on, I’m not one for showing off my midriff, but actually there is only the slightest flash of flesh on show with this so I feel pretty confident wearing it out and about. The top would also look pretty great with my wide leg black trousers, a combination I’ll have to try soon!
Blue Vanilla is a fairly recent brand discovery for me and one I really, really rate for affordable, well fitting and high quality fashion. I’ve seen a concession for the brand inside New Look and their website is also a treat for the eyes.
Who are your favourite recent high street discoveries? How would you wear this set?

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Wanderlust: My Travel Bucket List*

Over the years I’ve kind of lost sight of my dreams to travel, this Summer having seen so many of my favourite bloggers venture all across the world and visiting incredible places I suddenly have itchy feet again (although the Great British Weather has played a part in that too). Consequently I thought I’d pop together a list, a “to-do list” if you like of places I simply must visit during my lifetime.
Morocco: I’ve always had a strange attraction towards Morocco, and I can’t really put my finger on why. It just looks so beautiful with it’s ancient cities, varied cuisine and beautiful buildings, I’m hoping this will be the first place I manage to tick off of my list.
Costa Del Sol: This is kind of cheating actually as I’ve already been to the Costa Del Sol a few times but I just fell in love with this area of Spain and would go back multiple times a year if I could! Given that you can actually do short trips to Morocco whilst staying there adds further fuel to the fire, although the multitude of stunning places to explore along the coast would explain why I’m yet to venture away when I’m there.
Mexico: Another of those places that holds appeal for unknown reason, Mexico also has a long held fascination with me. With a diverse landscape of deserts, jungles and mountains I’d have to make this a very long trip to really get the best of it, but hey, that’s fine by me!
Paris: Just so I can say I’ve been, I feel like this is somewhere that everyone has to visit once in their lifetime at least, plus DISNEY! (I’ve never been!)
Rome: All that history! I was bordering on obsessed with Roman history as a youngster and it’s long been on my list of places I want to see. I’ve heard the food is pretty good in Italy too…pass the pasta!
Iceland: I know a few people who have ventured away from sun, sea and sand recently to visit Iceland instead and looking at the photos they’ve bought back I can easily see why. I’m not a person who enjoys being cold but I think even I could forgive the chillier climate in exchange for stunning scenery and a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Sorrento: Another Italian flight of fancy, Sorrento just looks breathtaking in photos I’ve seen and would be quite a contrast to a Roman city break. Apparently it’s a good place to head to if you like hiking (which I do!) as the views are meant to be incredible.
Japan: Ever since I read “Memoirs of a Geisha” as a teenager I’ve had an urge to visit Japan. From the culture to the food, from the scenery to the hustle and bustle I just know I’ll love it. I need to get over my dislike of long flights though as it’s 14+ hours from the UK to Tokyo, eek!
Australia: I know, everyone and his dog wants to see Australia but I don’t care! For starters I have some rather wonderful friends I’d like to visit and the constant hot weather, variety of places to explore and the chance to view Kangaroos in the flesh see me joining the cliche! I will make it out there one day, flight, spiders and snakes phobias pending.
Where in the world would you most like to visit and why?

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Lounging around with Jockey

I love pyjamas, really love pyjamas. There’s nothing better at the end of a long day than slipping in to something altogether more comfortable and sprawling out with my laptop and a mug of tea. Recently a brand called Jockey got in touch to say hello and to offer me a few pieces from their Summer Essentials range. Promising the softest fabrics and beautiful designs I couldn’t help but say yes!
I’m in love with the three pieces I was sent, they don’t lie when they say that they use the softest of fabrics! I’m not normally a chemise kind of girl but the two that turned up were enough to convert me. I think my favourite of the lot was the tartan piece*- it’s so light and girly and the attention to detail is beautiful. I am also a huge fan of the actual pyjamas*, hands down the comfiest pair I own and enough to convince me to part with a couple of my old sets that had seen better days a long time ago. The grey chemise* is quite out of my comfort zone as I’m not as a rule a fan of anything that clings, especially when it comes to sleeping but I can live with this one and the grey and neon colour scheme just makes me happy as it’s one of my favourite combinations.
Admittedly Jockey does cost more than I would usually spend on my nightwear- I usually hit up Primark or Asda when I’m in need of an update. Having experienced the luxury of a more indulgent lounging experience though I can safely say that you get what you pay for and if you have the money it’s worth treating yourself to a piece or two!

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(Insta) life recap: 7

Wow, how quick did July fly past? It was a “blink and you’ll miss it” kind of month for me which makes little sense as I spent the majority of it signed off from work/on a phased return and not doing a lot with myself. This goes some way to explain why there are more cat photos than usual this month- Mae provided me with entertainment and company during my time at home, even if she does drive me mad with her constant demands for attention when I’m right in the middle of something! These photos are just the highlights of the month, to see more give me a follow on instagram (and leave your usernames below).
As always hover over the photos to see their caption/click to see full size version! If you’ve done an Instagram recap post then feel free to link to it, I love having a nosey at other people’s lives!

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In the Frame

It’s lovely as a blogger when brands you’ve worked with previously get in touch and want to collaborate again. I’ve done posts with Specsavers in the past (here and here) and they recently asked if I wanted to pick out a pair of frames for their latest collections- as well as book myself in for a long overdue eye test.
Now, I don’t need to wear my glasses all of the time, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m lazy when it comes to popping them on. Often it’s not until I get a headache or really have to squint to see something that it clicks that I should be wearing my specs but I do find having a REALLY nice pair does motivate me to be more vigilant.

Dress: Topshop (out of stock, alternative) | Sandals: Primark | Glasses: Max&Co c/o Specsavers

Specsavers have some seriously killer styles in stock right now, honestly I don’t know when glasses got so cool. I was therefore very grateful to the lovely lady in my local store who spent ages with me trying on dozens of pairs and helping me make my choice. We settled on Max&Co. for a grown up and edgy style, I wasn’t sure when I saw them on the shelf because of the colour but actually it works so well- proof that you shouldn’t rule anything out before trying it! I was pretty taken with some Cheap Monday sunglasses too (these ones) but decided they would have to wait for another visit.
A quick note on this dress too, isn’t the print just fabulous? I love the Topshop woodland print range, and even though this style seems to be out of stock everywhere at the moment I’m pretty taken with the rest of the pieces too!

What’s your glasses style?

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