My Holiday

I've just had a lovely week off in southern Spain with my family. One of my favourite things about holidays is the fresh perspective on things for when I get home. I love switching off my mobile to the world and spending days catching up on magazines. Strangely enough it's always more about new beauty products when I'm away, it might be to do with the fact I'm in my bikini so clothes aren't really on my mind. So this break I've been thinking about eyebrow tattooing & lazer eye surgery (I don't do things by halves). If anyone's had either please share! I've had chicken pox scars near my brows since a kid so the hairs never grew back properly and as much as I love Benefits Brow Zings, I do enjoy a very simple daily routine. Not having to fuss about with them whilst on holiday has only highlighted that. I have terrible eye sight (-7) and when I was a kid wearing glasses it was more a vanity thing, but now I'm older the practicality of being as blind as a bat frustrates the hell out of me. Research commencing!

Since having my stint back into corporate life I have had to wear a whole new 'uniform' which has included a lot of 'tucking in'. I've never shied from the fact I've always found it easier to dress other people than myself, I tend to always put myself last (what Mummy doesn't right?) and rarely devote time to myself and my image. Being long waisted most of my tops just hang over bottoms but recently when needing a smarter look I've been tucking. I carried this through on holiday as I've enjoyed defining my waist with my look so did it with a longer tee I'd usually wear over jeans. I've given up trying to perfect that 'bloggers pose', this took my Dad 10+ shots (sorry Daddy!). It was hot and a messed up hair day but you get the gist!

Oh I wish I was back there now!

Was the end of the day, the face wasn't worth looking at!

Before we left we popped to Bicester Village to grabs the girls some new sandals from Clarks. I rarely manage to walk past my favourite shops and Temperley didn't disappoint. New beach/day/pram/light weight bag for £15 (I had to get all the pro's in there just to prove a point it was 'needed' to my husband). Even at the full price of £35 I think this was a bargain.

My bargain

Working the pram look

A holiday is not without it's dramas with kids, and ours of course had its very own in the form of a missing 'bun bun's'. My one year old's cherished blanket bunny whom she sleeps with on every occasion. I'll) set a brief scene, Puerto Benus market, Saturday, rammed, baking........at the time there was more upset from me, the sleepless nights ahead and the pure fact I know how much a teddy means to someone (I never gave up my ted....). Insisting the whole family trek up and down the narrow isles a final time, it was like that moment in 'Dogger' when he was found on a fete stall table. Luckily the lady was English otherwise the Spanish might have thought I was a woman possessed. And all in the name of searching for a pair of leather Spanish shoes that my Mum insisted on buying whilst we were there!

The infamous 'Bun bun's'

And where did we end up finding cheap leather Spanish shoes? Why a Spanish supermarket of course - where else?!? €30 for two pairs, I say no more.

Back to the UK, back to jeans - but at least I had new shoes!

Biege/taupe suede pumps

A 'boat shoe' (not so Granny in the flesh in case anyone was thinking that)

All leather, yes, I repeat, all leather

My Mum's were €19

Then I saw a very similar pair in Grazia for 3 times the price

This is the view we woke up to daily, divine. If you're after a peaceful location in southern Spain, I fully recommend this place. We'll certainly be going back, if only for the shoes!

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 little bit of 'Animal' from Clarks

I had to pop into Brantano for some kiddies wellies, and never one to pass the opportunity to window shop was pleasantly surprised by what I found.  As well as my stripey tops obsession  I also have an animal print one!  These by Clarks come up large, so be prepared to go down a size.  I am a loyal ballet pumps advocate but I know the the 'slipper' shape is now also very popular so I tried both styles on to give you an idea.  I think they would look great with black tights and a dress or skirt, now it is getting colder.  If you struggle with a heel but still want to dress up your feet, I think these are a great alternative.   They are slightly cheaper direct Clarks (prices below) and both are leather.  Not bad at all Clarks!

£39.99

£29.99

I thought these weren't bad either! £50