Showing posts with label Outfits. Show all posts

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Special, Sentimental Bling

With jewellery boxes overflowing I thought it would be appropriate to do a dual post on select items. The first being finer specimens either designer, silver or gold, then tomorrow costume jewellery I adore. Over the years' I have been gifted and bought for myself special pieces of jewellery that make up my precious collection. Each piece has a story behind it which makes them sentimental pieces I will never part with so, let me lift he lid on the tales of these adornments.

Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch: My partner bought me this watch for my 20th Birthday and for me it was such a luxury piece. I had been goggling over style pictures of women strutting the concrete curb with Michael Kors arm candy wanting to one day own my own. So when Tim gifted me the exact watch I craved I was so happy. Now it is firmly part of my everyday jewellery wear and where once I had no affinity for watches, now I love them!

Pandora Mother of Pearl Ring: Another gift from Tim that only rears its head on special occasions. This statement ring houses my birthstone and comes with a silver twisted band. I love the oversized glamorous stone and cut that makes me instantly feel feminine when slid on my finger. I remember Tim missing the delivery of this present and going with him jumping with excitement to the post office going to collect it. I couldn't wait to open the little white box and wear it but after peaking a look I had to wait until my birthday to have it which just added to the suspense.

Black Onyx Silver Ring: This statement ring was a gift from my Dad for Christmas and it was on a day out at Castleton that we came upon it sparkling in a shop window. We were both attracted to its antique aesthetic and unique black stone. My Dad said if I liked it he would buy it for me which was very kind of him. I liked that we choose it together and that it was found on one of our excursions because it makes it that much more memorable.

Pandora Silver Moonshine Pendent: This is yet another present from my boyfriend and I promise the last one in this edit. He wanted to buy me something before I moved to Nottingham for University. So, he led me hand in hand into Pandora and ask me to select something. He isn't loaded by the way just very romantic. So, I choose this long silver chain with moonshine pendent. I was attracted to its iridescent sheen and again keep this locked away until every now and again where I place it round my neck - and in doing so it makes wearing it that much more special.

Tiffany&Co Silver Bracelet: Finally a piece I bought! I went to New York with University two years' ago and with the spending money I had I decided to treat myself to a slice of America. This delicate silver Tiffany&Co bracelet was the right amount of simple and elegant. I choose the heart pendent with inscribed 'Please Return To Tiffany&Co New York' as a subtle reminder of my travels. Sometimes I find out the infamous turquoise box and bag just stare in admiration. Evidently it doesn't take much to make me smile. Oops, Just a $100 dollars or so actually...

Argento Stacking Rings: The newest items to my sentimental stash are these Argento silver stacking rings given to me by friends from University for my 21st. This was such a surprise of a gift and I am so thankful to have such nice friends! They were extra special down to it being a big milestone of a birthday and the end of our University adventure together. So, even when we are apart I can wear these look down and be reminded of our friendship. I have other stacking rings too and can interchange these with others to create different looks. Sometimes I will separate them and just wear the rings without settings for a more casual outfit - so as well as being sentimental, they are versatile too!

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Tuesday, 22 April 2014

Fashion & Beauty Best Budget Buys Haul Video

As I enjoyed doing my first haul video regarding new beauty buys last week I thought why not do a more fashion focused haul video this time? With some beauty bounty thrown in there for good measure. So that is exactly what I did. Hold on to your hats because this is a long vlog covering everything from L'Oréal hair goodies, a certain new Bourjois foundation and clothes from H&M, Tobi.com and Persunmall. So, make sure you have plenty of time to get lost in my fashion and beauty ramblings this time around. Enjoy!

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Tuesday, 25 March 2014

The S/S Fashion Checklist

I am so excited for Spring next month but it isn't only due to the chocolate eggs. Little by little I have been building my Spring/Summer wardrobe with classic staples and some seasonal trend items thrown in for good measure. I think the high street have done a great job translating beautiful designer catwalk fashions from London Fashion Weekend into affordable and accessible clothing for all. So, here is my S/S checklist edit of pieces I have been collecting in anticipation of Easter.

The Bright Sweater

The weather in Sheffield has gone from freak heat wave back to drizzle overcast and for Britain these extreme shifts are a common thing all year through. So, despite Spring approaching jumpers and knitwear are still pieces high on my agenda. But printed and colourful sweaters are giving the normally neutral, wintry garment a sunny lift. Topshop have this sweater available in a few shades including lime green, dusty blue and the colour I chose, coral red. This is a lightweight but warm way to inject a pop of colour into a look that can be teamed effortlessly with jeans or a pretty skirt. If I could I’d be hauling one in every hue but at £24 that would soon accumulate!

Skirts all-round

We now have the peplum skirt but frankly skirt in every variety is the biggest wardrobe must have for S/S. The infamous basic is now the centre of attention for outfits, with more and more experimentation and creativity being played out. The pencil skirt was the IT item for A/W 2013 and that means the mini skirt is one of the key ways to rock this season. Opposites are what fashion is all about. So far I have a pencil, midi, high low (longer at the back than the front), a grey, a black, a colourful and a patterned skirt. So, I pretty much have every area ticked but not quite. My all-time favourite timeless tight mini skirt from Topshop has broke meaning I need a close-fitting piece to replace it. So far I have been loving a couple of mini skirts from George, especially the textured side-zip number at a cool £12. So, may be I won’t have to wait long to complete my skirt collection.

The White Crop Jacket

For equal reasons to the first Spring checklist piece this next one is down to weather. But I think layering and having a jacket is something appropriate for wherever you live in the world. The difference will be its fabric. My white crop jacket is a thick and durable cotton material which means I keep my arms from getting goose pimples whilst still looking Spring-like. I have a thing for biker jackets and this one delivers on such an infatuation with its leather jacket silhouette and zippers. But if you prefer you could opt for a more sheer and silky white crop jacket to wear over string tops for instance, as a way of layering without getting over heated. And if you want some serious style points don’t forget to add a patterned cropped jacket in to the mix.

Royal Blue and Midi-Skirts

Blue, blue and more blue. The fashion week shows were a wash of the royal hue adding a contemporary twist to the normal pastoral colour wheel of Spring fashion. Dusty and pretty pastels were aplenty but it was the highly pigmented and bold blue that every designer seemed to be incorporating into their collections. Thankfully, as a lover of this shade I have been clocking up a few beautiful blue clothing already. This blue crop top from Topshop is a casual and on-trend way to work the intense shade. Teamed with a midi-skirt, albeit not a colourful one and this is one look fulfilling several trends.

So, that is my breakdown of pieces to work into your existing wardrobes in order to be Spring/Summer ready. Of course, there are plenty more. I am yet to find a yellow shift dress as yellow and lime green are other vibrant shades making up this season’s palette. But what fun would there be without the chase? What is your favourite Spring checklist piece for this season?

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Thursday, 13 March 2014

Persun S/S Wishlist

Pure Color Frilly Dress, Irregular Hem Elastic Waist Dress, Embroidered Elbow Patch Striped Sweater, Retro Color Mixed Drawstring Chiffon Dress, Moonbasa Pencil Skirt with Ruffle in Black and Nude, Elastic Waist Black Harem Pants, Geometric Graffiti Chiffon Shirt, Retro Embossing Zippered Clutch, Classic Black and White Flat

I've partnered with Persun to bring monthly fashion reviews to Give Me More from their latest collections so to start off I'd like to introduce the Chinese retailer label and my pick of their extensive stock. The international company has been working closely with bloggers for some time now but whether you want to join their affiliate programme, review programme or just take advantage of their discounts now is the time to check them out! They have a real mix of fantastic prints, known especially for their shirts and blouses, but also some great basics too. If you are drawn to colour your going to fall for their bright patterned numbers, which there are plenty. But personally, I have been drawn to their more subtle palettes and staple pieces with a few summery trend garments thrown in there too. This miniature Persun capsule wardrobe works on many levels, for day and night. I wonder which ones I'll pick... Which are your highlights from my edit? And have you heard of Persun before?

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Sunday, 9 March 2014

Damaris Lingerie Loot

I was very fortunate to win the Damaris lingerie giveaway competition Jenny hosted a couple of weeks ago on her blog Krystel Couture. The prize was a whopping £100 to spend on anything through their website and let me tell you they have so much nice underwear that this was a lengthy task. I must have been living under a rock because I hadn't heard of the designer underwear label before but now I know of them it is a brand I shall turn to first every time I need new lingerie.

Now their stuff is pretty expensive for the average consumer. The £100 would have been swallowed up with a single set in the full price collections and wouldn't have even been enough for some of their bodies and slips. As a lady who likes to get more for her money I opted for the sale section - which is extensive. This isn't your run of the mill sale full off one of sizes and garish designs no one wants. I literally wanted everything. You are spoilt for choice from all sorts of colours and prints and one great feature Damaris does is how each bra design comes in several variations from padded to just lace as well as bras for breast feeding. The bras in the sale are on average a affordable £22, so competitive for their quality! And their briefs and thongs are slashed to around £15. Not bad for better than half price.

Feeling like I could have a bit more colour in my lingerie draw I decided on a gorgeous Silk Satin Padded Super Plunge Bra and knicker in a mustard yellow. I thought it would look gorgeous with a tan and suit my dark hair. Then I chose the Bisou L'amour Padded Super Plunge Bra and matching hipster thong for its gorgeous spring coral shade. Lastly with my remaining pounds I went for a sexy and decadent Bisou Bisou Pearl Padded Super Plunge Bra as I can team it effortlessly with any black lace undies that I have already. I'm a stifler for matching lingerie!

I love how luxurious the use of fabrics are with Damaris's underwear. Most of the time it is 100% pure silk cups and detailing with a touch of elastane in the band for flexibility. I also admire the delicate scallope detailing in the lace overlay in the Bisou bras. When I received them and tried them on they felt so soft and comfy, which makes a change for such detailed lingerie and with so much lace. The tiny-weeny thing that just stops these from being the all time ultimate bras is the lack of padding. It is so light and subtle that it doesn't feel supportive enough for me. I like more structure so for such a dramatic title I'd expect a bit more padding. But that won't stop me wearing these gorgeous sets with pleasure and love. Ultimately, it is a personal feature I'd like but many more women would probably find the level of support enough.

If like me you hadn't heard of Damaris before make sure to check them out here and their sale to pick up some amazing deals whilst the choices are so great. Thank you so much to Jenny, Nicole and Damaris for gifting me such stunning pieces. I'll cherish them!

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Sunday, 23 February 2014

Wardrobe Essentials: Every Woman Should Own

Like great make-up, great style starts with the foundations. No matter your style, age, size or height there are key pieces which every woman should have hanging in their wardrobe. Whether you invest in such key items from designer brands or chose budget favourites, having these fashion saviours close to hand will help you out time and time again. Allowing for ultimate versatility and diversion throughout your entire clothes collection by mixing and matching these core staples with your more fashion led garments. So, want to know what I think such style building blocks are? Read on and see if you agree and have the same key purchases! Oh, and this post also doubles up as a shopping haul as they are all very recent buys!

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The classic LBD has been gracing our pavements and helping us feel sophisticated without the effort since Chanel made the mourning hue fashion worthy. It goes without saying how accessible and essential such an item is to a woman's wardrobe. I love them so much, I don't just have one, or two, or three but several... the little black dress has saved me many times from can't decide what to wear days and they are so easy to glam up for the evening too! Getting the cut and shape is where the element of individuality comes into play. This ROMWE dress shakes things up with cute peterpan detailing and a mix of fabrics. If money is no object head to places like Riess for structured shifts but if you are looking after the pennies a dress from George would make a great alternative. I personally think their sheer panel dress makes for a lovely and much more universally wearable adaptation of my ROMWE number.

THE BLAZER

Ah, the infamous blazer. Gone are the days were this garment signified androgyny for women. Now it is synonymous with being a strong, independent woman making their own mark in the world. This is the go-to piece to give a touch of smartness and structure to a look. Ideal for an interview or work but now a firm modern favourite too by pairing with jeans and a simple tee for fuss free chicness. Make sure you have one in black or navy and then feel free to add in print and bold arrays. But for me I like to opt for one that is slightly fitted for a feminine look. My new addition is this piece from H&M with a subtle clasp central fastening. Perfect.

THE EVERYDAY BOTTOMS

If you ever own just two bottoms in your life, they should be a well-fitting pair of jeans and some thick leggings/treggings. Some years back the latter would have been replaced with trousers but oh no, now leggings which are thick enough to be worn as trousers aka treggings have taken centre stage. Both these style warriors work by knowing what to pair them with. My mum is a key example of how to work treggings in your 50's by teaming them with knee high flat patent black boots and a long oversized shirt. The whole thing keeps the derrière covered for peace of mind but looks really contemporary. Jeans, well it is all about the cut. Whether you choose skinnies, straights, bootcuts or flares it is down to your personal style and shape. Remember that high waistlines can really accentuate your figure - the cut and shape I love the most. These recently purchased black treggings from Topshop look great with bright jumpers and floaty shirts. Cue my next essential...

THE WHITE SHIRT

I cheated here a little because this shirt from H&M isn't quite white. In fact it is more nude or a dusky pink but nevertheless it is light and works in representing the staple which is the white shirt. I am still hunting down my ultimate white shirt as I feel it a crucial piece which works for any skin tone and is perfect for pretty much any occasion. Given the right accessories of course. The white shirt no longer belongs in a man's world, it is very much firmly in a woman's too. But the difference is that whilst the men should opt for a crisp fabric, women should choose more sheer and lightweight textures to keep things feminine and soft.

THE FOOTWEAR FOURSOME

When it comes to footwear, the colour scheme doesn't stretch that much I'm afraid. By now I am sure you have noticed a running theme of black - excluding the white shirt of course. But black is such a fundamental shade to have in your wardrobe and if I could I’d have every piece I owned also in a plain black version. Because, it just goes with everything, okay except navy but ultimately it is completely dependable. So, when it comes to the footwear foursome I'm thinking a great pair of comfy heels, two pairs of boots, one heeled and one flat (so you have options for both day and night when the weather is cold and wet), and lastly, a pair of pumps (aka flats). All of which should refrain from anything too out there or embellished. Simple is really how to play it as these are the shoes which will tie in with anything you are wearing on top.

Of course, I could go on all day highlighting other key pieces like trainers, a leather jacket and a pencil skirt but I'm just about all typed out. These however, I think or specifically essential to a woman's wardrobe and I'd love to know whether you agree or have any other suggestions to add to the list!

*Some areas of this post are intended for promotional purposes

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