My Wedding Outfit In The Sun!

The big day came and went in a flash and thank goodness the rain held off until the meal and we were all under canopies.  It was my first ever beach wedding and it was amazingly beautiful.  Being by the sea is one of my favourite things to do so to have it as the back drop whilst watching my cousin get married was a very surreal experience.  I was so pleased with my bargain £20 dress from Topshop, it was comfortable and cool to wear and my sandals were perfect - after all that indecisiveness!  I accessorised with items I already had, I love it when an outfit comes together like that.  The clutch was a gift from my Sister many Christmas's ago from Faith.  I spied it as it was all suede (which I love).  My necklace was from Matalan and as it was fairly large I kept my rings and earrings simple and just added a pearl bracelet by Thomas Sabo.

The one thing I had completely over looked was my hair - and that heat, oh that heat!  Think Monica from that episode in Friends a few hours later.  No amount of hair and sea salt spray was going to sort it so I pinned a few bits back and forgot about it.

I couldn't let this post go live without sharing a few snaps of the stunning wedding party.  I know as a Mummy we are all bias but my little angels looked so grown up and scattered those rose petals with such pride they made me a very proud Mum.  Their dresses were found in the Summer sale at Debenhams half price at £24.50 and were by John Rocha. 

(PS their Doodles did come off for the ceremony....)

The Maid of Honour looked gorgeous in her peach gown.  It looked even better in the flesh and I thought it was a designer, something from Temperley I asked?  Um no, Asos - WOW!  Great job Asos, really really well designed and made, it looked a million dollars. 

And finally, the 'piece de resistance', my beautiful cousin.  Flawless H, utterly flawless.

The necklace was hand made especially for her by a relative, how gorgeous is it cascading down her back

Back to the UK with a bang; loads of washing, work, cold weather and a toddler that is struggling with jet lag and the time adjustment.  But hell, it was worth it!

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!

For My Fellow Bloggers!

I love to read other peoples blogs, it's an instant connection to 'real people' and it's great to see how other people work their wardrobes.  Whilst reading through some of my regular's I felt I wanted to share not only them but respond to some of their posts with one of my own.   So here goes.

Beth (Style Guile) had just invested in some products after being advised so at a beauty counter.  After being left with a rash (and returning the said products) she is left sceptical about the beauty business.  So I thought I would photograph some of my trusted favourites. I mostly go on recommendations and magazines reviews as I believe them to be un-bias.  'Look' magazine always do a review on products and use readers to test them.  Failing that some larger boots have sample sizes next to products or I just ask for the samples!  Here are some of my favourite facial products.

1. Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Face Wash - I always use in the morning,  not only is the scent amazing but it's under £5 and usually on offer.
2. Decleor cleanser and toner - I stumbled across this as it was reduced to £18 for the two on Amazon Black Friday deals last year.  I use at night and I would definitely buy again (but not full price of course!)
3. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - I use on my lips daily but pretty much on any other part of my body that needs hydrating or repairing.  That includes the kids and husband!
4. Clarins Eye Contour Gel - I use this in the mornings, it makes my eyes feel so fresh and wakes them up.  I initially had a tiny sample (which lasted ages) given to me by the sales assistant from their counter.
5. The Body Shop Camomile Eye Make-Up Remover - I spent years trying to find one that didn't smear across my eyes so my vision was hazy or so weak that it didn't do what it said on the tin.  This I am pleased to report works perfectly for me!
6. Garnier Wipes (dry skin) - I recently bought another brand due to price (why when these are such good value anyway is beside me) but I've gone back to these now.  I find that even though my skin isn't sensitive normally I tend to be a bit rougher when I use wipes so perhaps that's why these work well for me.  I alternate at night between these and cleansing and toning.
7. (Not pictured - sad face) my beloved Lancome Hydra Zen day and night creams - currently sat with a friend who sourced them half price in the sales for me!  I have broken out in those horrible lumpy under the skin spots and I know exactly why - I've been using a (much) cheaper night cream and samples of day creams.  Yes these are pricey (£40 ish each but I managed 2 for 1!) but I think if you find a product that suits your skin, then so be it.  I am not impartial to try different products - like I currently am, however after nearly 2 months of doing so, my skin has had enough! 

Sue (Susie So So) recently shared her day outfit, being jeans, jumper and scarf combo, she likes to keep it real!  So in a bid to be real back, here is my school run look from Friday.  My age old skinnies from Gap, I don't feel like they make them the same these days.  A Banana Republic jumper I found at a sample sale for £5.   As it is a v neck I put my Temperly Panther scarf around to keep out the cold.  Finished with my my old faithfuls, Timberland boots.  These have worn so well, they look better with age.  Had they been reduced sufficient enough in the black pair, I would have bought them again.  Looking back I think I definitely should have worn my darker jeans but needs must (as in 'clothes') when your rushing yourself and two kiddies out the house for school in the morning!

Avril (School Gate Style) has made a New Years Resolution to remember to put her eye cream on before bed.  I have my night creams right next to my bed ready to apply before I sleep.  I am religious with doing them, I like my skin to really hydrate at night as it's a great make-up free time for it to renew and replenish (I sound like a beauty ad!).  Here is my little display, yes it means more to dust around but it's a small sacrifice to pay to keep my skin in good condition!

1. Clarins Hand Cream
2. Boot rose cuticle oil (not every night!)
3. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
4. Cyclax Eye Cream
5.Olay Night Cream
6. Bath and Body Works Pillow Mist

And just for you Avril - my 'pajama pants' as my husband called them!   M&S for anyone interested, they looked loads better on the model, but are now only £8 in their sale if your after an alternative to black to go out in.  Back to store tomorrow to return, but they were worth a go!

And finally a little shout out to my lovely friend who launched her fabulaous on line Homewares shop.  She has a wealth of background knowledge in interiors and I'm sure when you take a look, you will all agree the products she is selling are just beautiful.  Introducing The White House Interiors.

Another peruse around Bicester Village

I think this must be my only ever shopping trip I actually put money back into my account (I returned some tops) and didn't spend a penny (even bagged a free lunch due to having to wait in Pret!).  I did enjoy a roam with my friend though, we had a great time catching up and browsing.  I found this amazing Miu Miu dress in Prada (they sell Miu Miu in there, as it's their sister company), it looked so 'Victoria Beckham' so I tried it on - purely for the hell of it!  At £350, it was slightly out of my budget but we had time and I wanted to experience it for myself, even if only in a changing room.  The quality was what you would expect, a thick luxurious fabric and the cut just as good.  The sleeves looked spectacular, however not really a dress that I could get a lot of wear out of with my lifestyle.  As always, it came up a bit too long on me, so I was pleased that as much as I loved it, it wasn't right for me in fit or for my bank balance.

There is no point in including any of the face shots taken - my eyes were closed for a change, I blame the photographer!

Victoria and her collar! 

Bicester Village was fully stocked up with lots of ideas for Christmas presents.  We had a candle over load as my friend loves them but she introduced me to The White Company's 'Tuberose' scent, so lovely with notes of Gardenia, my favourite.

Temperley had beautiful leather key rings and luggage labels starting at £12 and L'occitane (I now know it's correct pronunciation!) had loads of great offers on, especially when you bought more than one item/gift set.  All Saints was full of sequinned sparkle, ready for the party season.

Whilst quing for Prada (yes, we qued!) I spotted a lady wearing a gorgeous black coat.  It was three quarter length but it stood out as the top part was leather.  I thought it was by a designer, the cut was perfect on her and you could see the quality was good straight away.  That night I had an email through from Zara for their look book and low and behold, there it was!  I am making a beeline for a Zara store to try this on asap.  It is £119 so still a pricey coat but I honestly thought it was high end designer when I saw it on the lady.  She was wearing it casually with jeans and pumps and it looked so smart.  If I hadn't have just been let in ahead of her to the shop, I would have embarrassed my friend by asking her where it was from, I have no shame when I like something.  I say it's meant to be mine purely because I got an email the same night.........I hope it doesn't fit!

Zara Leather Biker Coat