My London Survival Kit

I am spending approximately 3.5 hours a day commuting to and from London at the moment.  I'm working with an amazing store and really enjoying it but I will admit the commute is a bit exhausting (hence my lack of posts - but fear not, it's not forever!).  I have been so grateful for a few key pieces that have helped me survive so far.  Firstly, my Mulberry Bayswater.  I will admit to buying this 3+ years ago as it was a very 'on trend' handbag and I had to have one.  It did get used, but not as much as it should.  However it has shown it's true colours now.  I love that I can just chuck everything in it (lunch, shoes etc) and I can let out the sides for it to expand and hold all my junk.  Once at work I can then unpack it and do it up again, making it sleeker.  The simple internal pocket is perfect for easy access to passes and the single twist lock closure is a no fuss quick lock, perfect for a London commute.  The handles are great for either over the arm or on shoulder.  My Baywater's has had a new lease of life.  I am loving the raspberry colour (originally thought it was red when I purchased it...) and have had several comments on it's cheerfulness.  I also must add that the studs on the button are a double up in regards to this sturdy bag.  It's a hard wearing tough leather, I would really recommend if you are going to be hard on your handbag.

I purchased these Jones Bootmaker ballet pumps a while ago now for the bargain price of £15.  They are leather inside and out and have really moulded to my feet.  They are easy to slip on and off ready for the commute and still look good after wear every day for the past 3 weeks.

I use my Bare Minerals powder first thing but throughout the day I need to touch up especially after being on the trains.  It gives a great matte look and the solid surround means the powder doesn't break up. 

My true savour is this Jessica nude nail polish called 'Sweet Tooth' (No; 434).  I apply just the one coat the day before (this picture is just the one coat) then the second on the train the next day.  By letting the first coat dry with no extra layer straight away, I find it's a firmer base and the colour lasts up to 3 days.  Even after that as it's nude, even if there is a slight chip it's barely noticeable.  I am missing wearing a brighter colour however time doesn't allow for a daily colour change so this is doing the job of tidy manicured nails perfectly.  

Press Day Round Up's

I've been so fortunate of late to go to some fantastic press days (and many owing to my great blogger buddies passing on details - thank you!).  I went to some PR ones which was great as not only did they give me an insight to what was ahead for brands I already know, but they also introduced me to some brands I'd not heard about before.

I discovered My Beauty Emporium from the Modus PR agency press day, a wonderful on line beauty website who gave me some samples of Katima'A to try.  I've used the scrub and serum and so far I'm  impressed.  They contain Argan Oil (in my ignorance I thought this was for hair!) and what stood out straight away for me was the scent.  They don't claim to have any particular smell, so whether it's the argan oil I am attracted to I don't know, but it's like a rich buttery chocolate smell and I loved it.  The scrub felt like it did the job but didn't rip my face off.  I used the serum before bed under my night cream and although it was oily at first, my skin lapped it up and it felt like I was giving it a real treat for the night.

Serum £49.96, scrub £26

Next up I had a blast with fellow bloggers Kat and Avril last month at the Fenn Wright Manson press day.  We had a very privileged sneaky peak at their AW13 (sorry, not allowed to share any piccies but needless to say they had some fantastic key pieces and prints) but also got to play dress up with their SS13 collection.  Being such a petite one I struggled with the sizes they had so didn't manage a full outfit but I did love their silky top that Avril was actually wearing on the day and Kat looked great in the bold blue.   

My favourite look of their collection and also my favourite colour pallet 

Avril, Kat and myself all in FWM's Bella top (now £45)

My lush smelling Moroccan Blush Rose candle, thank you FWN!

And lastly a brand I had heard of but not paid a lot of attention to before, Kat & Bee jewellery.  Thanks to Emslie Creative I got to have a closer look at the amazing pieces of jewellery this brand has to offer in the coming months.  The rings stood out immediately but even more so when it was pointed out they all had tiny little skulls hidden within them.  Wow!

Stunning selection of their necklaces 

How different is this!  

Apologies to all my regular readers for the lack of posts this week.  Whilst I have this short term contract in London, my days are very long and I have little time left between getting home and hitting the sack.  I have so much still to share (I've been shopping - woohoo!) so bare with me, it's not for long and soon I will be back to more regular posts which I am missing writing.  

PS none of this is a sponsored post, just my favourites from what I've seen and wanted to share.

Some More Pink In My LIfe

Yipee the sun has been shining this week!  After a complete melt down thinking I'd lost my fashion mojo, I am pleased (unlike my husband) to report it has found me again, phew.  A trip to H&M Knightsbridge and I got me some business clobber, yes H&M really!  Amazing how much more you see in a store in the capital to others.  More in a future post.  Today I just wanted to share some colour  this week.

First it comes in the form of this Clarins Crystal Lip Balm £18 (I had a voucher, so £3.50 pour moi - bargain!).  I saw this in a magazine, and as a lip balm addict, thought I'd give it a try.  The colour is in the middle, with a clear balm around the edge.  You can make it as deep as you like.  I've been applying it like a normal lipstick first thing, then using the outer edge to moisten my lips through out the day.  I would highly recommend.

Shade Crystal Rose 05

Secondly I've been playing with belts this week (pants as always at having time to take a photo when I'm rushing out of the house) but I did manage to grab one today (although you can hardly see the belt and this took approx 10 attempts before the hubby got the hump so blame him).  My old faithful jeans are getting looser through wear and I fancied adding some pink to go with my blush pink sweater so added this patent leather slim belt.  I chose a deeper shade of pink to compliment the sweater, I like doing tonal colour pallets.  I've found another hole in my wardrobe - an animal print slim belt, so that's now on my list of 'needs' (!).

Scarf - Temperley, Panther print
Sweater - Tommy Hilfiger (TK Maxx)
Belt - Hobbs
Jeans - Topshop Baxter
Boots - Marks & Spencer Limited Collection

Just before I leave you all in peace to enjoy the bank holiday week-end, if any of you live near Amersham, please pop along to the lovely Coco Marie boutique on Tuesday evening.  They are holding this great event, and after a sneaky preview of their current stock, I predict the till to be busy busy busy that evening.

Business Attire - Where Do You Shop?

So I have a short term contract to help out an amazing store which has led me back to formal business clothing.  Having enough to get me through this week only, when possible I've been hunting down some new options.  I don't want to invest tons into this section of my wardrobe, as its not needed.  I am looking for a skirt, nothing to structured, a blazer and a few dresses, all items that can be worn again and dressed down when they aren't needed for business.  So far I've been into Topshop, Cos, Gap, H&M and Zara.  And I came out with nothing.  I feel my shopping ban has left me with no desire to shop (or so my husband is leading me to believe).  So in an effort to avoid that horrendous scene that we all have in the mornings where clothes fly everywhere, I've adopted the internet to save me.  With no crowds, time restrictions, trains to run for, children to run after, I think this is just going to have to work for me at the moment.  So here is what I've found but I'm yet to hit the order button!

Skirt - American Vintage £49.99 at Atterley Road (NB this would come up longer on me being short, have measured it!)

£35.99 Zara - now thinking a little too dressy

£25.99 Zara - my favourite so far in style, cut, price & ease of wear

£35.99 Zara - second favourite

£45.99 Zara - now thinking a little too dressy also

£17.99 Gap - I have these in the black and the fit is amazing

£27.99 Gap - the only reason I'm holding off is I missed out on an extra 20% off sale items the other day, so now feel like I'm being cheated if I pay this price (even though they are still reduced).  I want a comfy solid shoe to walk about in, rather than an un-structered ballet pump.  Not the most glamorous I know but needs must and I will have heels in my bag!

I nearly placed 8 dresses into my basket with Zara, with free delivery and returns it is very easy to do.   then thought some more into this.  Tights have to be worn for this contract but in my every day life, I prefer to go bare legged so that needs to be taken into consideration.  Now on to another long standing debate I regularly have with my husband.  I set myself a budget of £100 to try and kit myself out with a few pieces.  Should none of this fit and I not find anything, do I just buy what I like?  Had I done this previously, I may not be clutching at straws now in a blind panic that I have very little formal attire.  The coat below I fell in love with a while ago, I saw it on someone today, amazing.  I also love the yellow blazer.  It works great with denim and if it's not any brighter in the flesh, could look as good  with black trousers.  I just feel that the prices are so much to spend on one garment for myself (yet I so would advise others to!).  Do I just bite the bullet and order the lot in a vain hope or do I waste more time thinking?  I believe I have my answer!

£99.99 Zara

£69.99 Zara

Shopping Ban Lifted - & I Can't Shop!

So since my last purchase I have completed a month of no shopping, congratulations me!  With that in mind and the fact I have a contract in the centre of London, smart business attire needed, I hot footed it in to town today to try and grab a few key pieces to see me through.  Having worked in smart/casual environments for the best part of 10 years, my business clothing has depleted and at best, I reckon it's going to last me the week.  I was after some separates, namely a skirt and perhaps another pair of trousers.  Nothing.  I'll take that a step further, not only was there nothing for me in smart clothing, nothing casual jumped out at me either!  Everything I looked at I scrutinised and felt wasn't worthy of my hard earned pennies.  It seems my break has done me good, it's made me appreciate what works for me and not scrimp on quality for a fast fashion/shopaholic fix.  Mmmm, how long will it last I wonder?

I did find these lovelies to share with you though, £49.99 from Marks & Spencer.  They were so well padded and looked very comfy, it's just the ankle strap that I have an issue with.  I must make an effort to get used to them as I really like them on people, I just feel restricted and uncomfortable when I walk in them.

I thought this cute little cosmetic case from Next was very quirky and a great reminder to us all.

Note to self, save these socks for the house only.  Didn't plan on trying on any shoes, but was having a play and forgot I'd put these on, oops!

And finally, a mug shot!  Posing is not my strong point, I've said it before.  This was the best of about 10 and both eyes were open!  I just wanted to share my bargain £2 dress from H&M I blogged about previously.  I've worn it twice now but this time I added my heeled M&S boots and a slightly clashing vertical stripe on my cardigan.  I have worn these boots more times than I thought, they seem to go with everything and with heels I feel my posture is better.

Tunic - H&M
Cardigan - Ralph Lauren (Bicester Village)
Leggings - Topshop
Boots - M&S

TK Maxx, Next & My Wish List Item

Well I decided to throw caution to the wind and enter a few shops post school run the other day.  My eldest needed a new rucksack and it was easier to drop in to a small retail park than go into town.  So I braved TK Maxx to get one for her.  I of course started to have a look through the ladies rails but no sooner had I started, and found some great items, I ran away to the kids department.  This ban (self imposed to any new readers) seems to have really dragged on and boy have I found it hard.  Shopping comes so naturally to me, bargains seem to find me, it was just what I was born to do (not sure if I have previously mentioned I did study drama - so yes, dramatics have come out!).

I found this great little smock dress by French Connection, £82 down to £24.99.  Such a easy piece to wear with cropped leggings in the Summer and an amazing price with all that detail.

Then there were these shorts.  The pictures don't do then justice and I am first to admit that, but honestly they were better in the flesh.  I can't do short shorts, nor being petite can I do very long ones either, these were a great in between but I would turn them up a few times just to add a more relaxed look.  The print is small enough not to be to in your face, but enough to make them more than a plain boring short.  Maison Scotch is not a brand I usually buy but I thought this price at TK Maxx was a great introduction to the brand for people like me who haven't bought before.

Close up of the print

Popped my head in the door at Next (for the kids obviously) and was greeted head on with these cheerful jeans.  £20 - wow!  Great price Next, very impressed.

And if I wasn't on a ban and wanted to buy a loved but not needed item (we all need a few purchases like this once in a while) then I would head to Zara for these, £49.99.  I love a nude based shoe, it elongates shorter legs and the studding on these are so current and add interest to what can be a dull colour on some.

So come on, taunt me some more, what have you been buying this week?

PS Marks & Spencer sale now on, usually some great bargains, for people who are shopping that is......

Clarks AW13 Press Day Round Up!

Welcome!

One of my favourites so far - and I'll openly admit that the way to my heart is helped along by food (shallow I know).  And on that day, Clarks delivered!  The concept upon arrival was that of a 'Market Stall' environment.  You were given a large tote to fill with the fruit and veg displayed around the room not before being talked through their fabulous collections.

Some of their displays

Random I know to take a photo of the inside of a shoe but the black suede ankle boots (named 'Curtain Ring'!) have their soft ware feature, so extra padding for dancing the night away.  The suede was so luxurious, the pictures really didn't do them justice.  Ankle straps were a big feature for next seasons party collection.

AW13 Party Shoes!

I stopped for a little tea break and scrumptious muffin whilst I jotted down some notes in their 'grassed area'.

Tea break!

Refreshed and rested I started on some more shots of their lovely boots.  The tall Italian black leather boots are a classic, a great addition to any wardrobe.  Pony skin was another feature from them, from a more casual block heeled burgundy boot to a more dressy black wedge.  Throw in a worn look ankle cowboy boot and your collection is complete!

AW13 Boot Collection

Finally some super sharp flats in the form of brogues and Clarks highest ever (yes apparently so) heel at 4" bought to you courtesy of Mary Portas - thank you Mary!  Love the spikes around the heels, adds something different to the classic court. 

Flats & their highest heel yet!

And finally me!  I wore my trusted Topshop Baxter jeans (my older ones as still love them with a worn look), a Warehouse top, French Connection coat and Marks & Spencer boots.  Not forgetting my favourite item ever, my Balenciaga Velo handbag.  Night all! x

Thank you Clarks!

A Quick Whiz Round London

I am pleased (not happy) to report that I have continued with my shopping ban, even though in the last 2 weeks I have been in the big smoke 3 times.  It is getting a little boring now, I just want to purchase but the end goal of holiday funds is still very present in my mind so needs must.  Boooo hiss.

Dream world allowed for a split second, the lovely Kat from Does My Bum Look 40 steered Avril (School Gate Style) & I into Anthropologie.  I haven't been to their Regent Street store before and I will definitely not be passing it again.  It was vintage meets fashion meets comfy and I loved it.  On the pricier side for me but in a world where I wasn't watching the pennies, I so would.  

£48

£118

£228

We were in London for a Press Day (more on that on another post) but of course managed to have a quick peak in some stores.  Also on route was & Other Stories a new offering from H&M.  Different but I liked it.  For some reason I only grabbed a few shots, I was just taking it all in.  It was minimal in appearance, no fuss.  Clean and clear if that makes any sense at all.  Very modern and dare I say it, it didn't come across as 'cheap' looking as H&M can sometimes (don't get me wrong, note previous post, I do like H&M and I do shop there).  It definitely needs another visit to absorb it better.  I did find a great tan leather iPad case for £45 which seemed very reasonable as it had space in the side for cards etc.  

As Avril said, it had an 'industrial' feel

I will leave you with this lovely little note from & Other Stories, my personal style story this week; tired.com!  Night all! x