The Outfit Post Featuring Bally Switzerland, MiH Jeans, Isabel Marant for H&M & Topshop

Last week I went to see Denise van Outen in her show 'Some Girl I Used To Know' with my girlfriends.  We had a great evening, I thoroughly recommend you see it if she is performing near you.  We all couldn't believe her singing voice and how emotional we felt at the end, I will say no more in case you do get to see it!  Another un-planned outfit but I am learning to live with that little imperfection on the planning side.  I knew I wanted to wear my Bally Switzerland court shoes and fancied a bit more of a trouser jean than my usual pairs but that was it until an hour before I left the house!  I wore my MiH jeans with a slight turn up, they are a dusky dark blue, straight leg jean.  I wanted a bit more glitz so added my Topshop tee.  

I kept jewellery to a minimum as the top is heavily embellished.  I am getting lots of wear from my H&M cuff.  Thank you Isabel Marant!

Goodness I love my shoes.  The Second outing for them, they have stretched slightly already which I knew they would being leather in and out so I'm really glad I went a little smaller and tighter in the size.  

Is anyone else with me on the serious lack on planning their outfits at the moment? Is it the weather do you think?  I am off to London tomorrow and so far I know what coat I'm wearing…..Off for some much needed zee's in the mean time!  Night all x

The Glamour & Aspinal of London Event (not forgetting the fabulous venue; The Marylebone Hotel)

I was so pleased to be invited to a lovely morning over at The Marylebone Hotel during London Fashion Week to celebrate the launch of Aspinals Marylebone family of handbags and to hear Claudia Mahoney from Glamour magazine and Ella Catliff from La Petite Anglaise talk about 'Street Style'.  Hand crafted British leather, there wasn't much thinking involved in accepting, whatever plans I had were to be moved!  I won't drone on, the pictures speak for themselves. 

(Sorry, my favourite chair, I love it, I look at it every time I am in that hotel and it's in the toilets!  I had to share) 

The 'Mini Marylebone' bags.  A great colour collection - pastel, classics and a pop of colour, £595

My idea of Heaven, being a bit of a 'leather lover' (no comments on that please…!)

Simple, chic, does the job.  iwantone.com, £165

Stylish notebook to match your purse anyone?  Great magnetic closure stops the pages flapping about, £95

Go the full hog, match your keys as well!  £40

The 'genius' bag (IMO), ingredients below,  £995
Innovation meets aspiration in the new Marylebone Tech - the first luxury tote to feature an integral juice pack and cable paths, so you can charge your phone and tablet on the move. An innovative touch making it the perfect choice for the busy 21st Century woman!

My favourite Marylebone tote had to be this beauty with python skin.  I seem to have a radar for the most expensive bags, however I believe it is just damn good taste buds, £1395

Angela Scanlon, Claudia Mahoney & Ella Catliff discussing 'Street Style'

I'm consistent if nothing else with my planning of outfits for events - there is little time to plan!  My waking day is mostly spent thinking about and running after my two girls.  I try every time to down tools and plan but a 2 and 7 year old have other ideas.  I always have a very rough idea, this time I knew I was going to wear my black ankle boots for comfort and weather reasons, the rest was done at 7am before my 8.15am train!  Had I known that I would have been papped and then featured in Aspinals blog then I may have used the 'babysitter TV' and thought about something more colourful the day before.  Hindsight hey!  

Top; Farhi by Nicole Farhi
Wet look jeans: Gap
Boots: Sam Edelman
Bag: Balenciaga

My favourite combination of bracelets at the moment, in order from left to right;
Annie Haak, Marc Jacobs, Tiffany
Mini Marylebone tote trying out my arm; Aspinals (not mine sadly)

The boots, close up as I love those buckles!

The tote seemed to like me, I liked it right back!

Random shot of the day which I couldn't get to focus, this ladies boots which if my memory serves me correctly are by Mulberry.  I tried them on a while back but they didn't work on me.  Love them!

I also met the lovely Ashley from Made In Chelsea.  I admit I don't watch it, it wasn't until after and I saw the tweets that I realised.  She is beautiful and so friendly.

Just in case you were wanting to get ahead of yourself for Mothers Day, after having a little browse online at their website I found this gorgeous notepad £65 down to £19.50.  Don't hang about, it won't be there long at that price.

The Quick Catch Up Featuring Bare Minerals, Gap & Moi!

It's been a busy week and doesn't show any signs of slowing down what with half term!  Anyone else loosing the will to live with their little sproglets already?!?!  I had a rare few hours in a shopping centre all to myself last week, I actually didn't know what to do with myself, no kids, no time limit.  So I set myself a two hour time limit instead!  I popped into Gap to try and find some boyfriend jeans (I'm going to start back on the 'what I need' lists), no luck but I did spy these gorgeous ballet pumps.  All leather, £34.99.  I love the colours, they could literally go with anything.

Next up I have been desperate to try the new Bare Minerals Ready product and the kind ladies at the Debenhams counter gave me some samples to try.  I have used it twice now, I'm not 100% the colour is right so I may go for a shade lighter but as with my starter kit set, it is natural, goes on well (been using some samples of liquid foundation and I'm just not cut out to blend properly!) and quick to apply.  

Apart from that, my trip was brief!  I am trying to be good with 'Frugal February' so I wasn't going to be buying anything I really didn't need.  I even put down a reduced body spray in Hollister as questioned did I need it right now.  The answer being no as I still had over half a bottle left of what I was using.  What is happening to me?!  I'm sure it won't last long.  Here is what I wore to run about in, school run included. 

Jeans: Gap
Sweater: Dorothy Perkins
Gilet: Zara

(Discarded jeans on the changing room floor: Gap)

Handbag: Prada
Boots: Sam Edelman

Scarf: H&M (cashmere)
Furby: Tesco
Lizzie the Cat: Me, the adoptive Mother

PS who else did well on Valentines day?  Look at what my lucky little ladies received from their doting Aunty.  They did better than me (yep, hubby was in the dog house for it!).

The Dark Eye's Post (taking a side step from clothes for a moment) & A Contact Lens Saving

One of my Facebook followers posted a desperate plea for help in the eye area.  Let me start by saying I am by no means a beautician/therapist/beauty blogger, but I am a Mummy who does suffer from many sleepless nights and therefore need help 'faking' it for work that day.  Funnily enough Gemma couldn't have asked at a better time.  I recently ran out of my eye gel that I use so have been finishing other products I have, more creamy based ones.  I must say I have noticed a massive difference.  I prefer a gel around the eyes first thing as feel my make-up stays on better and it also wakes my eyes up.   No matter how long I've left the cream to soak in, I've still had make-up leaking in that area throughout the day.  On top of that, (and I will admit, I rarely look in the mirror and think my eyes look dark so something must have been working) I really have noticed my eyes looking puffier, darker and more tired.  Yes, I am tired but nothing I haven't gone through before.  I put it down to not using my gel.  It's not cheap at £29 however, it lasts for ages and it has made a difference, unbeknown to me at the time, only until I stopped using it!

About 3-4 years ago (and I think I may have written a blog about it) I was really struggling with under eye concealers.  On both occasions I went into two different department stores and was told that I had to stop trying to cover up the problem and start treating it…….well!  Armed with a sample of the Clarins gel I never looked back.  I use a cream at night around the eyes (always a eye cream, never just my night cream) as feel this is their time to really hydrate.  When applying I was taught to dab/pat really gently, never rub.  The skin around your eyes is so delicate and rubbing it ages and damages it.  So this is my research Gemma!

I'm not normally that loyal to one brand but Clarins seems to be a winner for me (their hand cream is my number one).  On a separate occasion I also tried their Instant Light for under eye coverage.  I found it lighter than it's rival the cult YSL Touche Eclait but not as light as the Lancome offering.  This now is a firm staple and is replaced as soon as it runs out. 

On a final note about the dark eye area, ultimately diet & health play a huge part.  I know I don't drink enough and definitely don't get enough sleep so I'm not starting well.  The two above products however  have helped me.  There is loads out there to try and unfortunately pennies will be spent in sampling them.  A good counter at a store will give you samples to try.  Devote a little time like I did years ago and you will reap the rewards one day when you find 'the one'.

Whilst we are on the subject of eyes, I was recently introduced to a new contact lense company.  I wear lenses pretty much every day, they are monthly disposables.  This year I have vowed to get my eyes lazered, October is my deadline!  Until then, I needed more lenses.  My last lot cost me around £24 for 3 pairs (I have to have a toric lense in one eye before anyone tells me that is pricey!) so I was pleasantly surprised at Lentiamo's price of £39.48 for 6 months supply.  What I liked equally as much is that I didn't have to wait in or collect them from the post office as I'd missed the delivery.  Their boxes are designed to fit straight through your letterbox.  There is 10% off your first order of over £20, a free phone helpline number and free deliveries over £30.  Just thought I'd share them with you in case any of you are lense wearers like me.  

The Confession

Well Frugal February (no shopping month) doesn't like me very much.  I am holding my hands up, I am seriously sleep deprived (poorly child has finally got some antibiotics), it's been weeks since we've had a full nights sleep and with that comes the need for a few pick me ups.  Sorry to myself!

Although truth be told, I am not that sorry.  The above jumper cost me £5.60 in the Dorothy Perkins sale.  Yep, less than a decent lunch.  It was £16 down to £8 then I had a 30% off code with free nominated delivery (I did share these codes on my Facebook page in case anyone starts shouting at me for not sharing the voucher love).  Unfortunately it is now sold out online, which I secretly do love as it makes my purchase seem that little bit more exclusive to me. 

I'm not going to lie, there are a few other purchases from the week-end trip to see my friend however they mostly (!) consisted of using vouchers and a forgotten about £10 birthday money gift.  They will soon be shared, however I must try and get some sleep or else I fear my head may lead me to some very unforgiving purchases.  Night all! x

The Green Post! Featuring Topshop & Dorothy Perkins

Sorry, I may have built that up for all the 'green' people out there.  I am referring to the colour just to clear it up quickly.  I had a dash into my local town today to run a few errands and of course it would be rude not to pop into a some clothes shops.  Come on Spring, all the shops are ready, where are you?  I love seeing all the pastels come in, it is so refreshing and inspiring after all the layering we are currently having to do to keep warm.  This pale green jumper was in Topshop and is £36.  It also comes in baby pink.

I then came home to my daily 'Hot UK Deals' email to find a voucher for Dorothy Perkins.  30% off (including sale items) and free nominated day delivery.  Their version was £22, down to £11, now £7.70 delivered.  Use codes; WWWDP101 for 30% and FREENEXT for the delivery part.  Don't forget to purchase through Quidco for the additional bonus of some cash back.

If you were thinking about going the whole hog with mint green then Poundland have Revlon nail polishes in for yes, you've guessed it, £1.

I spotted this top in Topshop, a hint of green but the unusual print is what caught my attention.  It is different and a little quirky but I could really see it with a pair of tailored black cigarette pants and plain courts.  A statement piece that needs plain accessories to accompany it.  This is £36.

On my wish list is this top from River Island.  At £20 (and I rarely say this) I think it is a great, fair price point.  It is 100% cotton and comes in a lovely peach colour also.  

There are still some great reductions about so keep your eyes open when shopping.  I'm trying so hard to be good and not spend but I'm off Birmingham way tomorrow to see a friend so I don't expect it will last.  I am however in the 'housey' mood also and looking for a few furniture pieces so I may just focus on them instead.  (Sounds good writing that down, lets see if I can follow through….!).

The Returned Boots

I was tipped off by a kind anonymous reader (thank you, I saw your comment before their email came through!) that M&S were offering 20% off online one day.  I needed no excuse, so the ankle boots featured in this post were ordered.  Three paris later (I couldn't risk not getting the right size.  Note to self; practise what you preach.  Try try try, if I had when I saw the navy ones in London then there would have been no need to order 3 pairs).  Well I'm a size 3.5 in their boots just in case I forget for future reference.  The title says it all.  

They just felt to long in the front for some un-known reason.  I am a kind of instant shopper in some respects, especially if I've been coveting something for a while.  I really wanted the boots to work, there is a definite gap in my wardrobe for them.  However as soon as they went on there was no love.  There needs to be at least some love.

I still like them, just not on me so don't be put off by my review!  For £48 with the 20% off they were a bargain.  The heel is a great height for every day wear and the colour is perfect with denim. 

The hunt continues!  I'm in no hurry, a pair of day boots will turn up on my travels.  My only concern is that they may turn up in my supposed 'Frugal February' month of no shopping (Avril, on paper this was a good idea….!).  I am off to see a friend near Birmingham for the day Saturday so I will try my hardest not to shop but I can't promise, it was booked in advance!  In the mean time instead of clothes shopping I am play room storage shopping as this doesn't count at all.  Ikea is my best friend.

Who else is on a ban after Christmas and the sales?!

The Review: House of Fraser High Summer Press Day

I had the pleasure of a quick trip to London last week for House of Fraser's high Summer press day.  It was a damp, cold day so I was in much need of some cheer and reassurance that Summer isn't that far aware.  There was a lot to share!  I've grouped my images together as best I could to give you a good idea of what lovely treats they have in store for us shoppers.

The welcome!

First up was the dresses, perfect 'Ascot' and 'Summer wedding' dresses in lots of floral prints with some amazing fascinators.  Check out the footwear, I love the ankle straps paired with these dresses as it adds another dimension making the whole look more interesting. 

The Mary Portas range had some great colours as always along with some bold prints.  The cuts seemed to cover all body shapes, from the tailored, to the draped look as well as a structured box style top (plain white one in the second set of images).  My favourite by far was the amazing white shirt below left, the simple beading turned a boring white shirt into something far more appealing. 

No collection is complete without some animal print (in my opinion…..!) and these sandals do the job perfectly.  If you don't own a pair for Summer then rectify your error with these.  I was left dreaming of weather where I can wear a bikini, come on UK, give us a Summer to remember this year. 

For all you maxi dress lovers out there, they had a great selection for day wear.  My favourite being the grey tie dye on on the left, great design for adding length and elongating the body.

There was a great selection of tops, a lot of detail as well.  I love embellishments on tops as they can turn a pair of jeans into a more substantial outfit especially when you just don't have the time to think about your look. 

Simple shapes in block colours and denim also featured.  A great twist on the classic breton as well. 

One of my favourite dresses for the colour, the simple shape and the quality was this by Hugo Boss.

The accessories!  This statement Biba necklace looks gorgeous against the lime green yellow dress.

I was so excited to see bareMinerals there as they are my favourite foundation brand.  I was introduced to their glosses, in particular the one on the far left, it gave my lips a fabulous irridescent glow.  

I didn't have long to get in and out of London and back for the school pick up so I needed comfort with some stylish edge.  I had on my black suede Topshop ankle boots (sorry, not seen!), Gap wet look skinnies, a cream Pyrus top (not seen as well!) finished off with my Zara coat.  Accessories were my Balenciaga handbag, TK Maxx gloves, H&M cashmere scarf and bracelets by Tiffany, Annie Haak and Marc Jacobs.  Last and by no means least, my nails were painted in my new birthday Chanel nail polish in a shade called 'April' - bring on that month! 

It's been a long week since my last blog as at the time of going to press; the whole family is ill!  Boooo!