A Few Mothers Day Gift Ideas

It's a bit of a comfort post for gifts, some snuggly treat ones!  I'm a sucker for a candle but I also am very particular that the majority I burn are natural or soya wax (Diptyque a huge exception to the rule).  One of my absolute favourites is the Parks Aromatherapy range which I grab from TK Maxx for £9.99 a candle.  I like to light them at night time especially.

This was a larger one in the most beautiful glass jar.  (stunning vintage roses - Aldi)

They burn evenly so there's no waste.  

You can pick them up in store and in HomeSense but there's a few lovely gift box sets online here. 

The Clarins hand cream above I bought from duty free last year but at the time John Lewis sold them as a trio set.  It smells amazing but there's another set out currently that has a lovely range of scents.  

Clarins White Flowers Trio Set £25

As we've got the candle, some nice hand creams it would be wrong not to include the Queen of all comforts - a nice new hoodie!  Love this one from Uniqlo and grey is my perfect sweater colour. 

Hoodie £24.90

Whilst we are on the grey jumper side, the lovely Susie So So popped this one up on her Insta feed the other day.  So up my street.  80% merino and 20% cashmere and a great price too. 

Cashmere Merino Cable Jumper £55

And finally, a firm fail safe gift for me, something Emma Bridgewater!  I popped to Bicester Village at the week-end (no pleasure for me, watching my hubby spend his birthday pennies!) and saw this gorgeous new print called Rainbow Dots.  They had a few pieces in but there's only 6 in the range anyway.  I just really fell for it.  I think the candle and jug were my favourites but was in a rush so not the best photo's I'm afraid but you get the idea.

Plate £19.95 (£12.95 at Bicester)

Rainbow Dots Flower Candle £17.95 (Bicester outlet were cheaper - around the £10 mark)

Rainbow Dots Jug £34.95 (£25.95 at Bicester)

Well ok, I did window shop....This Gucci scarf and bag was on my 'lust list' from December.  Santa obviously thought I wasn't well behaved last year.  No comments please.  Bag stayed in stock (reduce it more Gucci?!?!) scarf didn't but just came back in - when I've totally spent all my Christmas and Birthday money.  Life just isn't fair is it.  I will leave you with these beauties.  Princess signing out now.  

Breaking The Silence (With A Mini Shopping Trip!)

So hello!  Long time no speak.  I had what was probably known in the business as 'writers block' but in my real world it was more a little break as life just became a little over whelming.  I had planned to write a post explaining myself but I randomly woke up this morning after feeling unwell for the last few days wanting to share two little treats with you so here they are.  Maybe I will break again, maybe I will share a little more insight into my shenanigans but there is no real plan, I am free-styling it and going with the flow.  No pressure being placed on my little self - so apologies to the probably now small regular audience I have left, I can't guarantee the frequency on here!

So what got the creative juices flowing again you may well ask?  The Victoria Beckham tops I managed to bag 5 weeks ago or the shoe post I drafted back in March?  Nope.  A new piece of nightwear I think.  Rock and Rock, totally.  Oh and it was a belated Mothers Day present so perhaps sub consciously it follows on from my now very old last post!  On Mothers Day we popped to Bicester Village as in the end I just fancied some new PJ's.  Alas there were none there until nearly 7 weeks later and I find the most comfiest night shirt ever.  It was reduced to £21, one left in my size then another 10% off with my VIP card.  Not forgetting 100% beautifully brushed cotton from The White Company.  It was meant to be.  

Next up, for any Jo Malone fans, The Cosmetic Company are now stocking it permanently and also more than just the bath and body range.  These little travel perfumes are £9 (you have to spend over £55 to get any discount) and just perfect for me as I don't tend to get through perfume easily.  This scent was gorgeous and a lovely little treat.

Dolce & Gabbana

Gucci

So that's all I bought.  A belated Mothers Day present of a night shirt and a £9 bottle of perfume.  It was enough to excite me after the last few months, trust me!  However look at these beauties from Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.  Nothing that could warrant a place in my life right now but the stylist in me truly appreciates the beauty and drools over the fabrics, craftsmanship and art of the pieces. Maybe it was seeing these that got me going again and not the nightshirt after all......

Clothes really weren't on my agenda and if they were, I gravitated towards comfy jumpers - that's all I tried on!  And rather fittingly the nightwear was also a 'comfort' purchase.  I saw this wool and cashmere jumper in All Saints.  I really liked it but the reduced price tag of £70 felt a little hefty.  Also, whenever I go there they always have and extra 20% off everything and lucky me that day - they didn't!  Coming into Summer I didn't want to pay that price so I left it behind but I now have a friend working in the village so will have to get her to keep an eye on it!

Shacket & Jeans; Topshop
Jumper; Rag & Bone
Boots; Ash
Bag; Balenciaga
Watch; Tag
'N' brooch; Markus Lupfer

The first time in what felt like a while that I'd made an effort so thought I'd share the outfit!  Nothing mind blowing just my favourite Joni ripped jeans from Topshop, a jumper (with a thermal vest under - that start of feeling poorly!), shacket and my beloved Balenciaga handbag.  Some classics in my wardrobe.  Comfort plus a little style - my staples.  

NB The VIP discount card is available to anyone with AA cover.  You just need to show your card to the information desk on the day to get one.  There are conditions naturally but generally it is very handy to grab, even if just for a cheeky coffee discount!

The Gucci Bargain

A quick little lesson and a post I have kept meaning to share since the start of the year!  Sales shopping is the ideal time to invest, especially in brands that are usually well out of your reach and don't be put off by the scraggly pieces as they are often the gems.  Cue this purple number from Gucci.  They had a very small rail with something like a 'special price' gold sign below - very discreet!  Some odd items left on Boxing Day (yes, I braved Bicester Village on Boxing Day!) and this top jumped out at me.  It clearly needed a good iron but the cut looked stunning - especially around the sleeves, it was made of cotton and silk, it was a beautiful colour and the price, well it was £400 down to £45!  I took a snap of the ticket just to remind me what a bargain it was!

Even pre an iron it was a no brainer and more so as my sister offered to buy it as an early birthday present for me.  

A tad naughty but I wore it before my birthday as we were off to our friends for New Years Eve and I just wanted a nice new top to wear.  I kept the rest of the outfit simple as once the bow was done up that really was the focal point.  I did add a tiny additional piece of fun with an animal print belt.  I love this top, I can see it staying in my wardrobe for years.  Don't be afraid to go into the big designer stores - you just never know what you may find!

Top; Gucci
Belt; J Crew
Trousers; Topshop

I am always rushing to get out the house, especially when my girls are also on a mission to get their outfit sorted...Hence the grainy shots and the only full half decent shot included them!

Shoes; Boden (Alice flats and my real life Alice to the right!)

What's In My Bag?

Bag that day; Balenciaga

If you're anything like me, you will love a nosey post like this!  This was a 'I have no kids with me' bag hence only one token child 'ish' thing but I do generally lug around this hefty lot with me all the time.  I am a 'just in case' kind of person.  I won't bore you with pictures of what's inside everything, we will be here all day but here's a few close ups.

These four are always with me without a doubt;

• Miu Miu purse 
• Lulu Guiness zip pouch; most probably intended for cosmetics but holds all my families gift cards and coupons, yes I have a coupon purse....
• Gucci cosmetics pouch; I don't tend to take my makeup out with me, it's purely a lip balm, mirror, lozenges, plasters, hair grips kind of pouch
• Smythson business card holder

• Mini iPad with read leather case; this is new to me, I'm not an iPad fan but it is perfect for travel and size wise brilliant to hold.  I am in love with it already (and I don't often say that about technology pieces!).  Just in case any of you have saved up your Tesco vouchers, it's their double up promotion period and iPads are included, hence I got mine for next to nothing!
• Mini filofax; I refuse to use the calendars on my phone, I like pen and paper for diaries

• Gucci sunglasses
• One Direction tissues (I did tell you at the start there was a token 'child ish' thing included, these are them!
• Dior Nail Glow; I painted on the go that day
• And finally, believe it or not, a Mulberry tape measure.  You never know when you need to measure something......

So does anyone else carry this much with them on a regular basis?  Aside from the nail polish and iPad, the rest is pretty much standard in my bag.  I have tried to cull it, but the one time I leave something behind, I need it.  Obviously sunglasses aren't needed come the Winter months!

Outfit Round-Up

This year is the year I moved on from my skinny jeans!  I am not totally without them of course, but the two pairs I bought from Gap that are their straight leg cut have had so much wear already. These were my bargain £12 ones teamed with a very old H&M t-shirt and Next animal sandals. Just a school run/about town look!

And then the skinnies came out for a girls night out!  These are also Gap, their wet look jeans.  I love the fit however the coating hasn't lasted as long as I had hoped.  Teamed with a blush pink lace Warehouse top and some very high heels (luckily we sat and caught up over cocktails and didn't have a dance!).

Clutch; sample from somewhere!
Shoes; Gucci
Ring; Dorothy Perkins
Earrings; Topshop
Bracelet; Valentino

Another day look - before the weather heated up of course.  Ralph Lauren ankle skimming jeans with a Cos top.  I've rolled the sleeves up a little as they finished just around my elbow and felt a little long.  I love the bright yellow hem, it really gives the top another dimension taking it from plain to having that little pop of colour.  

Im very pleased with my J.Crew purchases this year and this top has been no exception.  As I mentioned in my previous blog about it, I was a little dubious about the jewelled neckline but it has been in the machine, inside out on a hand wash cycle and no problems at all.  Gap jeans again and possibly my most worn shoes so far this year, my rose gold Primark sandals.  Don't get me wrong, they go with so much and are easy to throw on if I've not painted my toenails, but I know that won't be around next season as they have been well worn.  At £12, I didn't really expect them to last next season anyway.  

You get the idea - there's a theme to my casual looks - denim!  Flats were needed for the Robbie Williams concert and a cardi for when it got cooler.  I dug out this old Topshop cardi (and I'm talking 8+ years here) that has little peach flowers on it.  Somehow, it has stood the test of time and worked perfectly with my shoes and handbag.  The top is sleeveless, needed for the heat inside the O2.

Top; Zara
Cardi; Topshop
Watch; Tag
Bag; Italian - no idea, sorry!
Jeans; Gap
Shoes; Primark

It's been years since I saw Robbie solo (naturally I saw him when he reunited with Take That - HUGE fan!) and for some reason I didn't have any expectations, but he was amazing.  A true entertainer and the style of songs worked perfectly for him (his Swing Both Ways tour).  His Dad even came on to perform with him!  

Because.....it really is so true!

Bag; Prada
Pumps; French Sole
Jeans; Gap
Pouch; Lulu Guinness
T-shirt; Juicy Couture

Royal Ascot Ladies Day

(No, this is not how I arrived.....next time!) 

It was my first time at Royal Ascot this year and I loved every minute of it in the end, but boy was I panicking about the dress code.  I was in the Royal Enclosure where your hat (or the base of it) has to cover 10cm of your head and skirts/dresses not too short.  I went for a H&M dress I bought in London last year (seen in this post).  They've recently bought it out again in a floral print (shown here) but the fabric is a lot thinner.  I love how the dress has structure to it down to the fabric and stitching without it being so stiff it's not flattering and doesn't move.

(excuse these grainy photo's,the best 'outfit' ones I had!)

The dress is a cream/pale peachy flesh colour - hard to describe really but I went along with the pale colour palette and added a very old Topshop blazer in a pale grey.  As my hat was black, I bought in my favourite Topshop necklace just so I had a little dark to complement my headpiece (which also had a cream flower on).  My Gucci shoes and vintage Chanel also in neutral pale tones, I went for a varied shade look!

With A LOT of food packed behind me....

Lots of shades going on, greys, blacks and a warmer cream with the dress

I've never been the most patriotic person which is strange as my parents are but I did come over all funny when I saw the Queen.  I do get fairly excitable over things and this was no exception.  I pushed my way to the front and got to see the lady herself.  Oh and the lawns - I want grass like that!

Of course, I was also slightly excited at the hats and outfits but was on a mission to place my first bet so I only managed to pap a few!

After a few small wins we headed to the track to be a little closer to the action for the final few races.  I soaked up the atmosphere, I love experiencing new things and this was no exception.  I always end up feeling a little over whelmed and quiet, especially when we were then picnicking with the best of them (Sir Steve Redgrave....) in the owners and trainers car park! 

Oh and we bumped into Mr Noel Edmunds as well - he has barely aged and looks amazing for 65.  He was so friendly and chatty to everyone. 

It was a long but perfect day.  For anyone who hasn't been, I fully recommend it.  I am desperate to go again! 

Hat; Jaeger (borrowed)
Bag; Vintage Chanel
Necklace; Topshop