The Gap & Red Event & Some Sparkly Shoes

After waiting a whole extra month (thank you London transport for striking at the wrong time) I finally made it to Red magazines evening with Gap.  Gap has a new creative director Rebekka Bay, previously from Cos and this was her first collection since joining. 

So first up, what to wear.  Yep, it was a last minute job with a few unexpected extra's thrown in to really make me work hard to get there but thanks to a great mate who happens to also be fab with my kids, my childcare dilemma's were sorted swiftly.  I am definitely very much a dresser based on mood, I need to feel it at that moment in time.  I had wanted to wear something bright but I just couldn't so after lining up some of my favourite tops, The Kooples on the right won.  It's navy with black lace, comfortable, forgiving in the tummy area and stylish.  

The below however is what my husband came home to find.  SORRY!  He knew it was no mean feet to get there so he tidied it all up for me and made no comment.  I am grateful for his patience with me at times like this!

With half an hour to spare before it started, I dragged my friend to Selfridges to have a play.  She was mortified that I try on expensive handbags and shoes then walk away.  What's wrong with that?! In my dreams one day I would love to walk in and pay full price for high end items, until then though, I am content with trying them on and dreaming, then finding them cheaper elsewhere (best ever charity shop find post coming soon).  

I give you, Mr Christian Louboutin.  Just to sparkly for words and the camera!

The best outfit shot you will get from that night, I was to distracted!
Jeans; Gap
Top; The Kooples
Leather jacket; Miss Selfridge
Ballet Pumps; French Sole (changed into my Bally Switzerland courts for the event!)
Bag; Balenciaga

More sparkles over at Gina.  My only regret on my wedding day was not splashing out on the silver Gina sling back shoes I had fallen in love with.  I couldn't justify the price at the time.  8.5 years later and I still think about them and how many more wears I would have had out of them.

Over at Gap we were suitably welcomed with Champagne and canapés whilst we awaited the talks to start.

Fiona Collins from Gap started off the evening (check out her amazing heels, I should have zoomed in!) followed on by Red's fashion & shopping editor Laura Fantacci.  Laura put together some great staple looks, my favourite featuring the denim shirt.

Probably the shoe of the moment right now, the skater shoe.  Move over bright colourful trainer, the skater is in town.

I was pretty slack on the photo front, I was to busy rummaging around and playing dress up.  Luckily that day Gap's 30% off had arrived so armed with my voucher I decided to not get carried away and only buy what I needed.  I loved this print below, £24.95.  It made a nice change from Gap's staple stripe prints even though I am still a fan of their stripes, if it ain't broke and all that.  However I feel I have bought a few sweaters recently so I wasn't really in need of any more.

So I ended up with some jeans.  Those who know me, know they are my favourite bottoms to wear, I am a jeans girl and a 'skinny jeans' style girl at that.  I have tried on various other styles but the fit never seems to work. Until that day in Gap. Emily Gegg from Gap had on an amazing pair and after we chatted about how she also had been into skinnies but these made her change, I tried on their 'straight leg' style.  I wanted a lighter pair for Summer and these were perfect.  I paid £31.46 and have worn them so much already.  They have lightened up my wardrobe, although the sun has helped as well!  They are not a boyfriend fit but are looser than a skinny, the perfect in-between style.  They do come up large so you may need to go down a inch in the waist.   

worn with my Converse and Zoe Karssen sweater

So the moral of the story is, for all the ladies who I work with and those on email, even when you do think you've found the perfect style jean, it's always worth trying another style again.  You never know what you may find, even I have moved into a new jean era! 

My London Day Out

Last Sunday my husband and I had a rare day out together in London (love my kids but, wooohoooo, no kids for the day!).  Three years ago for my 30th birthday he had booked a restaurant but I was so poorly and spent the day in bed.  Finally, he re-booked it, organised his parents to look after the girls all day and off we went!  I had a plan, I am all about the plans.  I wanted to start off in Primrose Hill as I had never been there before and as we were driving and out early, parking shouldn't be a problem (free on single yellows on a Sunday, unless a restricted zone).  The views from the top of the hill were amazing.  It was cold and damp but still took our breath away, imagine a Summers day?!  You could see St Pauls, The Shard, The London Eye.  I would have got some better shots if it wasn't for the huge group of tourists up there (we power walked down the hill to get in front of them….!).

Scarf; Alexander McQueen
Coat; French Connection
Wet look black jeans; Gap
Bag; Chanel

The High Street itself is tiny but full of boutique shops with of course a few quirky ones.  Booties for your dog anyone?!

I was also very happy to stumble across one of the Mary Portas 'Living & Giving' shops.  They are charity shops but boy are they worth a rummage.  Think Helmut Lang, Gucci….more on my beautiful purchase in my next post.  There are a few dotted round, follow this link to see.

(Picture taken before it opened at 12!)

Next stop was Selfridges as it had been a while since we had last visited.  We were so lucky that day and managed to get a space right outside the side entrance.  Nothing like being able to park that close, leave your coats in the car and just pop in to Selfridges!  I love the openness in Selfridges.  It always feels like such a light and bright store.  I headed to see Mrs Beckham's latest drop!

Pure vibrant colour from Vitoria Beckham

Sparkles from Stuart Weitzman

And some more!

Turquoise in Louboutin (check out the bag - wow!)

Wedges, gladiator sandals, brogues and pumps from Balenciaga

Hello Chanel!  Note that knotted heel

More turquoise and bright colours in Chanel

There would have been a time many years ago when I wouldn't have dared go into a designer shop as 1. I didn't see the point as couldn't afford anything and 2. I was way too sacred!  Age and pure love of quality and brands has changed that.  There is nothing wrong with a little light play.  Que Chanel in Selfridges.  I even asked the lady to write the style as one day, one day……Natalie's Chanel (green) meet Natalie's dream Chanel (black).  Stunning.  (Please note, current Chanel was a very lucky charity shop find for about 30% of it's price, was being looked down on that day.  I don't own an array of Chanel's, it was a special day that my one came out for a trip).

Tee; H&M
Cashmere cardigan; Boden
Black suede boots; Topshop Adios
Jeans & bag as previous

Just a large shoe in their window!

Next stop was a quick dash to Harrods.  Their sale was still on and I just couldn't not go and have a peak.  Only outside Harrods would you find a felt covered Ferrari.  Yes, honestly, you could stroke it!

Then finally, my belated (3 years, but there was a baby in that time as well!) 30th birthday meal with my husband.  I had never heard of it before but he had booked us into Barbecoa, a Jamie Oliver restaurant.  It is right by St Paul's and you can even see if from your table.

If you are anywhere near that side of town, I hugely recommend it.  You have to book as it gets busy but it's worth it.  All the kitchens are open for you to see them cook and downstairs is his very own butchery.  

The BEST pork scratchings I have ever had.  I am dreaming of them and would make the trip back purely for these alone.  Divine. 

Words can't express this salad.  Even my husband said it was the nicest of everything we tried that night.  Honey, almonds, prosciutto, clementines, mozzarella, balsamic = delicious. 

The baby back spare ribs.  Yum.

I didn't buy lots but I had such a great day.  I love driving around London, you get to see so much more of the beautiful city.  I'm in again next week but on the train this time so I won't be sharing any more scenic pictures!

Tights (and a little bit of Animal..)

I never found ones that I didn't end up tugging up every ten minutes.  So I gave up - far too easily.  Answers please if you've found the perfect pair, with details!  I really want to wear more of my wardrobe in the Winter and be comfortable doing so, so I am putting this out there as an SOS!

On a more furry note, my sister bagged the below from her local TK Maxx.  At £24.99 they are a fraction of the price of the Louboutins I blogged about previously!  But they don't have the famous red sole.  Saying that though, a few of you have contacted me to say that the red sole isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Costing lots in maintenance to re-heel and sole.  I am still undecided on that potential investment, or not, so to speak.  Compare and contrast below!

To Louboutin or not to Louboutin....

Fashion/Style dilema people!  Those who understand my shoe & handbag obsession, may well know a pair of Christian's has been on my wish list for a while now.  Having the pleasure of trying some on recently, I am left in a state of indecision.  1)  Are they worth it & 2) Plain or animal?  If anyone has a pair and and opinion, please feel free to share!  I keep thinking I could get 4 other very well made pairs down at Bicester Village for the price of one pair of them, but then they won't be by Mr Christian Louboutin will they?!

PS I have a savings pot, this is not a decision I am taking lightly or making quickly once the pot is full.......

From Tesco to Louboutin!

I live a varied life, variety is the spice of it so they say!  I ended up being oh so controlled at London Fashion Weekend.  Some beautiful scarves by Sara Ebbett and Emma J Shipley grabbed me, but not my purse so apart from some charity popcorn I left emptied handed.  Jlynch had some amazing belts as well.

Not one to leave the big smoke without making the most of it, I spent some time in Selfridges having a little dream!  I love their shoe department, the mix of brands, the luxurious atmosphere, but for me it's that I can actually lay my hands on brands like Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Balenciaga.  Here's some pictures to capture the lux!

I tweeted this from Topshop's Limited range the other day, even more delicious in the flesh!

A little skull from McQueen

Hello Christian!

Bonjour Chanel!

Love these H&M floral trousers

Quirky from Mr Jacobs

A little piece of heaven

For Jenny x

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

So I finally purchased a leopard print coat! Didn't go for faux fur, went for a wool print from Zara. Am loving it, worn it loads and feels so nice. Husband hates it with a passion, but what the hell, makes me feel good! £70 with 50% wool too, bargain & fashion!

Had my nails done with bio-gel, 5 days in and still look fab. My free Vie at Home mascara turned up and am very impressed with it, so far so good.

Purchased an amazing diamante bib style necklace from Monsoon (their range is great, a little more 'vintage' than Accessorize's). Looked really good over a black dress for a party and sparkled it up!

Sales already started. For last minute panic, Accessorize have discounts on loads of glitzy clutches. Love the above, £10 off, down to £25 and comes in a gold, silver and black. Gap also seem to be having a great sale already, also online.

Finally finished the Christmas shopping. Managed to do a lot online with Amazon and it's turned up thankfully. Slightly gutted that toys have been reduced heavily since I purchased them, very frustrating!

Birthday outfit (my 30th, woohooo!) still a work-in-progess. Found a dress from Monsoon Fusion range, can't find it online to show you. It's a corset on top with a tiered skirt. Nude with black lace, a little 'Dior'. Mixed reivews on it to date, so am going to put it away and re-evaluate next week. Would love some Louboutins in nude but I also want to be able to dance so not sure they will work!

Hoping for some vouchers for Christmas so I can hit the sales straight after!

If I don't get a chance to write before, I wish all my lovely followers on here, Facebook and Twitter a fabulous, glamourous Christmas. May it be filled with love, happiness and some sparkle!

Odds & Sods!

Just a few snippet bits of stuff, so thought I'd do all in 1 blog!

Make sure you follow me on Twitter! I update every day with the latest discount, tips, clothes I've found & photographerd to share! Am under Glamrosie on there too. It's free and easy to join and if your nosey and like celebs, it's great for that too!

Make sure you grab New Looks latest free mangazine. Voucher in there for 20% off between 23/9-10/10.

Don't forget to check out outnet.com (if you follow me on Twitter, you would have seen this tweet already!). Absolutely gutted that I missed out on the Christian Louboutin sale, up to 40% off most. Some great styles too, sign up to get their newsletter (I so am now!) so as not to miss out like me! They responded to my tweet and there are more Louboutin sales coming!

Check out my Ebay site for one off sales of fab items. Currently a lush brand new Patrick Cox handbag on offer. £235 RRP, starting price £39.99! When ever I list items such as this, I will always blog and Tweet about them, so get in there first! Ends Sunday 19th September 8pm!

Went to investigate a new under eye concealer today. Been told I need to treat my tired, dark circled eyes not just conceal them (by 3 different colsultants!). I guess the time has finally come, age is taking effect (or the nasty stork who dropped me off a bad sleeper of a child) so am now off to investigate a new eye cream also! Will update you on my finds!