Key Autumn 2014 Trend: The Blanket Wrap!

Tuesday 30 September 2014

22 comments
Oh Autumn, I love you. I think most people will agree Autumn/Winter clothing is the coolest. I adore Summer and the beautiful sunshine, but I always feel more stylish in the colder months. One of the key trends for Autumn 2014 is the blanket wrap. I have sported this trend in previous years, but this time around it's all over the high street.

New Look certainly have the widest selection of capes at the moment and this rawrsome tartan wrap is my current fave. After being inspired by the Cabot Circus Autumn Fashion Fix last Saturday, I decided to get my wrap on!

Bristol Street Style AW14
New Look Dark Green Check Blanket
Oasis Fiona Dress
New Look Winter Wrap
Tartan Blanket Wrap
Sperry Ainslie Boot
New Look Check Blanket Wrap (c/o) - Dress: Oasis - Hat and belt: Primark - Boots: Sperry 

I really like how easy-to-wear this trend is, it took me less than 60 seconds to chuck my tartan blanket wrap on and throw a belt over the top. I completed my look by pairing my cape with a fedora, my new Fiona dress from Oasis and these Ainslie Chelsea boots from Sperry.

I'm definitely going to be buying a few more of these wraps over the next few weeks, I have my eye on this one in red and a leopard print one from Oasis.

Will you be rockin' this trend? Are you a fan of this outfit?

T - The caped crusader.
Read More

Cabot Circus Autumn Fashion Fix! #AFF

Monday 29 September 2014

2 comments
Although I wasn't able to make it to Bristol Fashion Week AW14, I was lucky enough to attend the Cabot Circus Autumn Fashion Fix! The event was held last weekend and there were 8 catwalk shows crammed with this season's must-have pieces - perfect for a little A/W wardrobe inspiration. 

You were able to reserve seats via the Cabot website but the lovely PR team saved me a spot in the FROW. The stylists came up with 5 key trends we should all be wearing this Autumn, plus an exclusive Cosmopolitan edit. The key trends were Faux Fur, Shades of Red, Tapestry Folk, New Pastels and Metallics.

I left the show feeling genuinely inspired and I took A LOT of photos, but so this post isn't too picture heavy, I'm only going to share snaps from my favourite two trends. My first chosen trend is Tapestry Folk...


Warehouse Checked Cape
New Look Cream Chevron Tassel Wrap
Vivienne Westwood Uninhabitable Land Blanket

Outfit one: Joules Felt Hat - Warehouse Checked Cape - Joules Tweed Jacket and Skirt
Outfit two: New Look Fringed Cape - Fashion Union Burgundy Top and Skirt
Outfit three: Reiss Trilby - Vivienne Westwood Blanket and Opio Saffiano Bag at Garment Quarter

Gosh, I love this trend. After watching the show I developed a huge thing for blanket wraps - I even wore one yesterday! The three capes shown above range in price but the last one is my absolute favourite...Who doesn't love Vivienne Westwood!? The hats work perfectly with each look and I really like all the colour combos. It's just so Autumn-y and I can see myself wearing everything. I think I'm going to buy the first cape in a different colour (it also comes in turquoise and dark grey = dreamy) and perhaps save up for the burgundy Reiss trilby

My second favourite trend is Shades of Red. I don't own a lot of red but the girls looked hella fierce in their outfits and I now want some vibrant red in my A/W wardrobe! Red is obviously a real 'look at me' colour, I'm not afraid to make a statement but I think it's important to find the right piece before committing to something this bold. 

Red Miss Selfridge Playsuit
Shades of red trend
Bristol Cabot Circus Autumn Fashion Fix

Outfit one: Miss Selfridge Playsuit - LK Bennett Coat
Outfit two: Quiz Textured Dress - Linea Kate Bag
Outfit three: Reiss Trousers - River Island Coat

I currently only own one red dress, the textured one above looks beautiful on the model but is a little too body con for my liking. I do, however, love the statement Reiss trousers worn with the red River Island coat! I can definitely imagine myself rockin' this ensemble and wearing red on red on red.

Which is your favourite Autumn/Winter trend? Have you shopped in Cabot Circus?

I want to say a huge thanks to Cabot Circus for the invite and my VIP goody bag! I can't wait to shop the trends and buy a cape or two.

T - is for Tapestry Folk. My new favourite Autumn trend!
Read More

Think Pink With Faux Fur and Fluff!

Thursday 25 September 2014

15 comments
We couldn't be more excited for the return of faux fur this season, and it's coming back better than ever with so many styles and colours to choose from! T is on the hunt for some beautiful petrol blues but I'm erring on the girlier side with a touch of pink, so here's my fluffy candy wishlist! Santa baby, slip Unreal Fur under the tree, for me, I've been an awful good girl . . . HONEST ;)


Pink faux fur fashion bag shoes hat scarf coat Unreal Fur

Pink Faux Fur Tote Bag - £34.99 from New Look. I love the dusky baby pink of this bag, it manages to be feminine and fluffy with being *cringe* CUTE. 

Skinny Dip London iPhone 5/5S Faux Fur Pink Case - £18 from Spoiled Brat. This has Cher Horowitz written all over it, so like, I totally need it, obviously.

Candy Blossom Faux Fur Coat by Unreal Fur - £195 from Topshop. THERE ARE NO WORDS. 

Shrimps Ivana Striped Faux Fur Scarf - £175 from Net-A-Porter. It's like having the Cheshire Cat wrapped around your neck, which is perf because we're all mad here.

RABBIT Faux Fur Fluffy Sandals - £58 from Topshop. Toppers is killing it with the fluffy stuff this season, and these are the perfect party shoes! They're currently sold out though so eyes peeled ladies!

Light Pink Marabou Feather Beanie Hat - £13 from River Island. Top it all off with a pink poof. 

With pink faux fur, you can use it sparingly, as in one piece per outfit OR just take it to church and use several different shades on top of each other for a more in your face high fashion look. I wouldn't bother trying to match the shades, there's simply too many to make that work and it can all look a bit Paris Hilton, but not hot. I'm going to get a few awesome pieces like the bag and a coat, and just treat them like they are black to get the most wear out of them - ta daaaaaa!

What do you think? Coloured or traditional faux fur? What are you hunting for?

J - Pink. It's my new obsession.
Read More

Next Embroidered Folk Tunic

Tuesday 23 September 2014

15 comments
Last Sunday I hopped on a train, and 12 minutes later I was shopping in Bath with my mum for some good ole retail therapy. It was a surprisingly warm day so I decided to wear this embroidered folk tunic I bought in the Next sale a few months back. It reminds me of Tom Ford's Spring/Summer '12 collection and is similar to a traditional Romanian blouse.

There was no need to wear a jacket or coat, so I embraced my inner boho girl and rocked my blouse with a taupe Primark fedora, some Wildfox jeans and a pair of Chatham Marine boat shoes.

Boho Street Style
Embroidered Folk Tunic
Chatham Marine Boat Shoes
Primark fedora
Tunic: Next - Jeans: Wildfox - Hat: Primark - Sunglasses: Ray-ban

This fedora was an absolute bargain at £7! My hat collection is getting a bit out of hand, I can't quite remember how many fedoras I own but I should probably stop when I get to the 20 mark. I love shopping in Bath and I even bought my second Christmas present of the year (I knoooow, blame Jade). I actually took these snaps in front of Primark... I think Bath must be home to the prettiest Primark store.

Bath's streets are perfect for posing in but annoyingly, whenever I whip my camera out in public, a thousand tourists want to walk by and get in the shot. I think my DSLR is a crowd magnet.

Have you ever been to Bath? Are you a fan of the boho trend?

T - A mad hatter.
Read More

Newey New Balance Neon Newness at JD Sports!

Monday 22 September 2014

8 comments
Even though fashion faves Pharrell and Jessica Alba took them on an age ago, it's taken me a while to get into the whole New Balance trend. At first I thought I couldn't work them into my current wardrobe because the colourways were a bit out there, but the more I saw them on girls the more I grew to really like them! I think the trick is to not actually try to work them into your wardrobe, they're just supposed to be your go to throw on trainers regardless of what you are wearing, for effortless style.

This week I got my paws on the New Balance 574 Neon Pack Grey/Orange (£70) from JD Sports, a style inspired by neon graphics and the bright lights of the city and also available in black/pink. Grey and neon is always a good time to me, it's one of my fave combinations and these trainers totally prove why. To the outfit! . . . 

Outfit: New Balance 574 trainers - c/o JD Sports, Jeans - Wildfox, Tshirt - Wildfox, Jacket - Pull & Bear, Bag - Grafea.


New Balance 574 Neon Pack JD Sports

Ahhhhhh, I LOVE these! They're so bouncy and comfortable, totally unlike any other trainers that I have outside of my 'gym' Nikes (I couldn't even write that with a straight face). If you're wondering, they're true to size, I'm a 5 and they feel perfecto :)

I toyed with the idea of wearing them with my leather joggers, but eventually decided to see how they faired with a standard jeans and leather jacket outfit, i.e. no sportswear or sports luxe in sight. I personally think they look awesome, and now I get it. Let's face it, 9200 fashion girls couldn't be wrong, shame on me for doubting!


New Balance 574 Neon Pack JD Sports
New Balance 574 Neon Pack JD Sports

The upper is a yummy fuzzy textile, it looks like suede but is more flexible on the foot. I also can't get enough of the neon laces, takes me back to being an 80's kid! These are definitely eyecatching and colourful, but not tacky - hurrah!

New Balance 574 Neon Pack JD Sports
New Balance 574 Neon Pack JD Sports

If you're on the fence about New Balance I am definitely on the 'For' side pulling you over. I wouldn't spend too much time thinking about how they will fit in with your clothes, just choose the colours you love and they'll fit themselves in! I'm also a big fan of the New Balance 410's with a leopard print textile upper, and at just £55 from JD I think they are next on my list.

J  xo
Read More

Clarks Likeable Me Knee Boots and AW14 Oasis!

Thursday 18 September 2014

17 comments
This Aztec waterfall cardigan is the cardi of my dreams. I remember spotting a very similar one on Pinterest last year and becoming obsessed with trying to find it. Sadly it sold out months before (like everything on Pinterest) so when I spotted this Oasis version last week, I had to buy it immediately! Oasis sizing is quite generous, this cardigan is an XS and both my dip back cami and Jade skinny jeans are roomy size 8's.

I'm really enjoying wearing Autumn clothing again, even if it is still a little too warm for chunky knits and riding boots. These snaps were taken by the Bristol harbourside. I love taking street style photos when possible.

Aztec Waterfall Cardigan
Oasis Black White Cardigan
Oasis Jade Wax Coated Jeans
Clarks Likeable Me Knee BootsCardigan, cami & waxed skinnies: Oasis Neclace: Low Luv x Erin Wasson - Hat: H&M - Clarks boots via Very.co.uk: (c/o)

My beautiful Clarks Likeable Me suede riding boots are from Very.co.uk, who we recently collaborated with for their Autumn Edit. Very have so many awesome pieces in at the moment, especially their winter florals, faux fur and epic range of boots! These knee highs are super comfortable and great quality. I find Clarks tend to run a little big, I can be a UK 6.5 but these are a 6 and I still have room for thick socks.

What are your favourite trends for Autumn? Are you a fan of statement knitwear?

T - Carefree cardi lover.
Read More

Debenhams Liverpool x Kiehl's Hydro Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate #BBloggers Event!

Wednesday 17 September 2014

4 comments
Last week I was invited to check out the new Kiehl's counter in Debenhams Liverpool One (seriously, as if this beauty hall isn't swoonworthy enough?!) for an introduction to Kiehl's newest product, Hydro Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate, and to experience a skin consultation with Gerwyn Powell, Kiehl's Retail Education Manager for UK and Ireland - errrr, yes please?!

Big wave to fellow bloggers Laura, Karen, Vicki, Abigail and Naffy, and Ellie and Michelle, the lovely and super knowledgeable Kiehl's consultants who were on hand to answer all our questions!

Kiehl's skincare

The night started with a little get to know you with the new and fresh counter, with us all grabbing a glass of something sparkling and wandering off to touch some products and familiarise ourselves with the set up. 


Kiehl's was originally founded as an old-world apothecary in New York's East Village over 150 years ago, resulting in a unique blend of cosmetic, medicinal, pharmaceutical and herbal knowledge developing over generations into the brand we know today. Gerwyn gave us a bit of Kiehl's history before the product demonstrations, and we were all totally hooked on his enthusiasm for their back story - from the origins of the in-store motorbikes to Kiehl's active involvement in essential AIDS research. I can't even cover it all properly for you because I won't do it justice (I feel like Miss Geist in Clueless here), but if you want to learn more then I definitely recommend hitting up the About Kiehl's page for a bit of extra credit.

Kiehl's skincare
Kiehl's skincare
Kiehl's skincare

Anyhoo, Gerwyn took us through several different products that are all key to the moisture levels in our skin, something I know I don't focus on enough. I'm so wrapped up on getting rid of spots and shrinking my pores that I tend to ignore the important stuff like anti-ageing! 

An oil level paper test measures for skin type (mine is surprisingly 'normal' *side eye*) and we were also given a moisture level test which was really interesting. Mine was 33% which is average but still dehydrated. Gerwyn explained that his is around a healthy 49%, and this is achieved not just by eating well and drinking plenty of water, but by the products we use on our skin so it's important to use the right ones for your skin type. Quite simply, natural ageing is one of the main causes of skin dehydration, and it's a battle Kiehl's are intent on helping us fight! 

Vicki with Gerwyn taking her through her personal skin consultation, with Dr Bones in the background! :)

Kiehl's skincare

We were shown five of Kiehl's flagship products:

  • Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate - contains 10.5% stable Vitamin C and helps to reduce the lines found around the mouth, chin and crows feet. It has a warming sensation when applied which is nice. I've been using it daily for only 5 days now and (combined with the other new products) my skin does look noticeably brighter - ta daaaa!
  • Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 - oil free, safe for sensitive skin and works perfectly inder make-up. Now I knew that SPF was important but basically, Gerwyn kind of changed my whole way of thinking. I generally just make sure that there is one in my BB or foundation, but now I'll be sure to wear a stand alone SPF too because I learnt that they intensify the productivity that other serums, moisturisers etc have on your skin!
  • Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution - This was one of the products that Gerwyn recommended to me in my personal consultation. I have pigmentation spots from sun damage in my teens (ugh) but apparently this product could turn them around if I catch them early. The formulation is like water, and it's key ingredients get to work for results in 8 weeks. Sign me up for a piece of that!
  • Midnight Recovery Concentrate - A Kiehl's customer favourite! Made up of 99.8% natural ingredients that boost your skin's natural overnight repair process, topped off with a beaut lavender scent to aid sleep. Again, I've only been using it for 5 days but yes, it works. My skin definitely looks and feels noticeably brighter and softer in the morning. 
  • And finally, the new Hydro Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate! This wonder serum is basically a big gulp in a teeny pump. It's super light so it can be used under your moisturiser, make up or even under other serums which is pretty unique! Formulated with a potent complex of 15% plant based glycerin (a natural moisture magnet) and Shiso leaf extract (which helps to protect the anchoring of deep moisture into skin surface layers), it has been proven to sustain hydration over a 72 hour period - wow?! Again I've been using it for 5 days now, but twice a day. My skin definitely feels hydrated for longer. I work in an office and I'm usually drying out and visibly flaking by 3pm but not this week so it must be doing something right - high five!
We were so lucky to get a full size bottle of the new serum in our take home goodie bags, along with the other products in sample sizes. I know right? SPOILT.

Kiehl's skincare

I also treated myself to a couple of the other products Gerwyn had recommended for me during my consultation. I still suffer from blemishes, and I have a tendency to equate oiliness with spots so I strip my skin with harsh face washes and exfoliate too much. Gerwyn recommended the Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser and Calendula Herbal Extract Toner as a base routine to get my skin back on track. It sounds obvious to me now but by cleaning my skin so harshly, I'm forcing it to overproduce on oil, which in turn is causing my spots. This double act should calm my skin down and take it back to it's natural levels so I can really see what I'm working with!

Kiehl's skincare

I've been using both products for 5 days (along with the serums) and there is a marked improvement on my pores and blemishes for sure. I'm going to report back in a few weeks about all of these products because you can't review skincare after a week, it's impossible, but I do have faith in Kiehl's and I will definitely be doing a future show and tell on my new routine so watch this space!

This was probably the most interesting and informative beauty event I've been to in a long time, I feel like I learnt so much about the science behind the beauty and hopefully with that better understanding of what my skin wants and needs will come actual better skin!
Huge thanks to the Kiehl's team and Debenhams Liverpool One, as one legendary motorbike rider said - I'LL BE BACK!

J - Kiehl'd over.
Read More

Rosemunde Lace Dress and #AW14 Swarovski!

Tuesday 16 September 2014

11 comments
Some days I wake up with an urge to throw on a pretty frock, and dress like a lady. Sunday was one of those days.

I think this beautiful lace dress from Danish brand Rosemunde is one of my wardrobe favourites, I don't own anything else in this colour and it makes me feel like KMiddy. It's really well made and has a nice fit - not too tight and not too loose.

Rosamunde Lace Dress
Ethical Eel Skin Purse

Dress: Rosamunde - Necklace: Mi Moneda - Sandals: New Look - Purse: Makki (c/o) - Bracelet: Swarovski (c/o)

I accessorised my look with some of my most loved jewels, this rose gold Mi Moneda necklace and my new sparkly bolt micro bracelet from Swarovski. Both pieces are delicate enough to work with my pretty lace dress, the bracelet comes with a matching earrings set (which I also adore), and surprisingly they're really affordable!

Swarovski Mini Bolt Bracelet
Makki Aubergine Large Zip Wallet

My luxurious aubergine purse is by UK brand Makki, a company who specialise in eel skin handbags. If you've never touched eel skin before, it's the softest fabric ever and is approximately 2-3 times stronger than cowhide! Makki's designs are by-products of the wider food industry and they're an ethical company who believe in 'responsible luxury'. At first I was a bit unsure about the thought of eel skin accessories, but after seeing this purse up close and reading Makki's back story, I'm in love with the brand and their entire range! it turns out Kate Middleton is a fan too... We're almost always on the same page. ;)

Are you a fan of lace? Do you own any eel skin accessories?

T - KMiddy wannabe.
Read More

Happy Birthday Joules!

Monday 15 September 2014

5 comments
Classic British brand Joules is 25 this year, and this weekend I've been wearing them! 
The black tunic top (£69.95) is super versatile and one of my new faves. It's so flattering (this is a size 14), skimming my curves and somehow managing to make everything look a tad smaller, and can easily be dressed up or down. To the outfit! . . .


Outfit: Top - c/o Joules, Jeans - 7FAM, Boots - Jeffrey Campbell, Jacket - Pull & Bear.

Joules Lisbeth top, 7FAM grey jeans, Jeffrey Campbell Cat Lita Boots.

Joules is well known for being dedicated to details. The cotton lace overlay is super intricate and really soft against the skin, it's actually more like a crochet than a classic scratchy lace. The silky black lining runs to the neckline and the arm seams which is perfect for me because I always find that these under vest styles can be a bit skimpy and tight. Finally, the scalloped shell trim on the arms and hem feel a little art deco, which I love because it gives it a bit of a vintage look :)


Joules Black Lisbeth Top

I'm wearing it with boyfriend jeans and a biker here, but I have future plans to team it with leather shorts and flat over the knee boots once the weather gets a bit cooler. It's going to be an awesome AW14 player!

Whilst browsing online, I stumbled across the hilarious About Joules page on the webby, which features 25 facts and fun anecdotes about the brand, one of which is no. 24 - their babywear designer Frances Quinn won the Great British Bake Off in 2013. Well, I never knew that! Definitely worth a read if you have 5 mins :)

Happy Birthday Joules!

J - Lace and leather.
Read More

Swarovski Fall 2014 - Mixed Metals!

Saturday 13 September 2014

7 comments
We're huge Swarovski fans here, there's literally a store load on our Christmas lists each year and we're rather big on gifting it too (I think I've probably given every person who has passed through my office a Swarovski pen!), so we always eagerly await a new season drop!

The Swarovski Fall 2014 campaign features the beautiful Miranda Kerr and is all about mixed metals, which is a trend that we love because it means you can wear all your jewellery together no matter what the colour, think rose gold, yellow gold and silver all accessorising one outfit together - it's a no brainer and a really easy look to achieve!

Check out the new season campaign video, work it girl . . .


Swarovski are total sweethearts and have been treating us to new pieces every so often for a few years now, so as you can imagine their care packages are one of the highlights of our fashion year, and this season is no exception. 

This time I received the new rose gold 'Bolt' earrings and matching micro bracelet from the Rock Chic trend. I adore this bolt and screw design because it's a tad tougher looking than the other dainty chain bracelets, meaning it won't look out of place paired with a leather biker and ripped skinnies (i.e. my Winter uniform) for a chic daytime look.

Swarovski Bolt Earrings and Bolt micro bracelet

I also received this gorgeous 'Stone Mini' bracelet, featuring four rows of sparkling Swarovski pavé set on a rose gold stainless steel hinged bangle. Ideal for stacking, especially with the silver and gold styles for the perf Mixed Metals look! 

Swarovski Stone Mini Bracelet Bangle

Obviously the jewellery is awesome, but it's the little touches that always make these packages so special. This time they included a monogrammed leather bound notebook (I'm so FANCY!) and Swarovski Crystalline ballpoint pen. I literally squee'd out loud when I pulled this combo out! Perfect for jotting down LFW notes and making post plans! Oh you guys :)

Swarovski Crystalline Ballpoint Pen

And finally, this amazing Glam Rock style black crystal mirror compact, for those discreet touch ups. They do a matching Glam Rock card holder which I now need, and the stunning New Power Rock Black Evening Bag, which at £419 I can probably keep needing, as my man would say, but a girl can dream ;) Still, this crushed black crystal effect is totally me, whatever it adorns - SWOON.

Swarovski mirror compact

For me, Swarovski is one of those brands that I go to when I want to feel special, or impress. I love everything about it, from the beautiful stores with their cabinets full of sparkle to the simple little blue boxes that get me all excitable at Christmas! It's a brand with history yet it is always super current, for example running cute collabs with Disney or Hello Kitty, and even down to incorporating USB technology into the designs (some of them you wouldn't even guess if you weren't told!). I also love that they are still family owned and family driven, so long may the Swarovski crystal reign continue!

J xoxo
Read More

Relaxing In Style With Shoetique and Just Sheepskin Slippers!

Thursday 11 September 2014

7 comments
I'm a big Winter fan. I like nothing more than lounging in my pyjamas with the heating on and a nice cup of tea. Well, Deirdre Chambers, what a coincidence! It just so happens that full on cosy happiness landed on my doorstep this week from one of our fave online shoe stores Shoetique, in the form of the Just Sheepskin Albery Slippers in a yummy Midnight navy blue! I'm a huge fan of premium slippers and I gift them to family practically every Christmas. My dad has a pair of Just Sheepskin slippers and now swears by them for his poor cold old man feet (shhhh don't tell him I said that!), and my man lives in his (now second pair of) UGG Australia Scuff slippers, but I've never treated myself so I was feeling kind of left out, until now! 

Aren't they beaut's? The colour is a fab alternative to the usual tan, brown and black. The Albery boots are made from 100% pure sheepskin inside and out, and can be worn pulled up or folded over. Sheepskin naturally wicks away moisture, so you'll find that you are less likely to get any yucky um, 'feet' smells despite the enclosed fluffy style. Phew!

Just Sheepskin Albery Slippers

Just Sheepskin Albery Slippers and Topshop Meadham Kirchhoff socks

Just Sheepskin Albery Slippers and Topshop Meadham Kirchhoff socks

Just Sheepskin Albery Slippers and Topshop Meadham Kirchhoff socks
Slipper Boots - Just Sheepskin c/o Shoetique, Socks - Topshop.

They feel amazing to hang out in, and even though they have a rubber tread on the sole for grip (no epic stairway falls here!) you can still flex your feet so perfect for curling up with a good book on the sofa or a beanbag like I am here :) 

Shoetique have a wide range of slippers, including other premium brands like EMU, FitFlop and more. Delivery is free and fast and they even offer a price match guarantee. Okay, so this style is expensive at £79.95, but they honestly last forever, so you have to think about the pounds per wear. I've had about 6 pairs of high street or supermarket slippers since my dad got his Just Sheepskin's so I know these are going to be with me for a long time to come. I would definitely recommend the Just Sheepskin Albery slippers if you were thinking about treating yourself or gifting this Winter, don't hesitate - luxuriate! 

J - Just Lounging.
Read More