Hey ASOS, STAAAAAHHHHHHP!!!

Hey ASOS, STAAAAAHHHHHHP!!!

Wednesday 30 April 2014

13 comments

We are in serious danger of accidentally falling over and ordering this little ASOS cart of summer essentials. I mean, it would be purely accidental. Honest.

ASOS Fringed Kimono Slip Dress - £70 - Seriously ASOS? SERIOUSLY?! WOW. And the model even looks like our girl Vanessa H!

ASOS Cat Sheer Panel Socks - £5 - Are you KITTEN us?! Squeeeeeeee!

ASOS Packaway Cat Poncho With Backpack - £13 - If you're hitting up a festival this summer then you need to get a poncho early because the best ones always sell out closer to the time, and how cute is this bad boy?!

Aldo Leeton Fringe Cross Body Bag - £35 - Audible sigh. Oh my lord.

Monki Sasha Blue Printed Trainers - £30 - A little bit different to the NB's out there, and there's the leopard print sooooo, you know, OBVIO.

Le Specs Ziggy Sunglasses - £40 - We both own Le Specs sunnies already but this style is legit.

So yes, all donations are welcome, kthanxbai, we lubz you - mwah!

J - Genie rubs.

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New Shoes On - Hummel Slimmer Stadil High!

New Shoes On - Hummel Slimmer Stadil High!

Tuesday 29 April 2014

17 comments

I've been after a cute pair of retro styled trainers for wearing with skinnies and the like for a while, so when Danish sports brand Hummel offered to treat me to a pair of theirs I found it hard to say no! I chose the Hummel Slimmer Stadil High in Sharp Green, an acid yellow green, perf for summer! 

Outfit: Shirt - F21, Tshirt - F21, Jeans - ASOS, Shoes - c/o Hummel.

As soon as I saw the shoes I knew exactly what I was going to wear them with. This Forever 21 x Hello Kitty shirt from yesteryear hasn't had much wear recently, until now. Check out the colour match!

I love these sneaks, there are so many cool points to them. The canvas and suede uppers are super comfy and it's such a little thing, but the colour matched laces make ALL the difference to the look don't you think? The crisp white on sharp green colourway is super fresh and believe it or not they actually blend really well, because I know fluoro sneaks can sometimes be a bit in your face! I actually forget I'm wearing acid green trainers in all honesty, and I think they'll look awesome with neutrals this summer! With regards to fit I'd say they are pretty true to size with an average width, no issues here. 

High tops, are they a yay or a nay for you? It's a yay for me. I think they look cute with summer shorts for a start, and you can have fun with the tongue ;) I like the way these ones have the lace loop at the back of the heel so you can wrap them around the ankle and secure through there before tying at the front. It's all in the details.

I'm really loving the Stadil High's, and at around £45 they're a pretty good price for a retro style. I'm thinking of investing in a pair of denim boyfriend style board shorts to go with them this season, I can see them becoming a staple and these shoes would look badass with them and a new white tee :)

How was everyone's weekend? Let's wish this week away so we can all get to that bank holiday!

J - Sneaky business.

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Yull Cornbury Shoes!

Yull Cornbury Shoes!

Monday 28 April 2014

27 comments

Part of being British is learning to accept our unsettled weather by just rolling with it. This weekend I wanted to be running around in maxi dresses but instead I donned a trench, jeans and some new colourful heels from Yull Shoes!

Trench: Principles (old) - Jeans: Forever 21 - Top: c/o Oasis - Shoes: c/o Yull

We've been fans of Yull shoes for a few years now, designer Sarah is an absolute babe and her fabulous footwear is stylish over fashionable! She's all about creating practical, classic heels of a high quality which will stand the test of time, unlike the numerous 'throw away fashion' shoe brands on the market today. The team at Yull very kindly sent me these bright yellow Cornbury heels to style - they were inspired by Cornbury Park in the Cotswolds! The colours represent Cotswold stone, blue summer skies and flaming log fires. 

These are a size 6 but if you're a half size I'd suggest sizing up, they're very comfortable but I definitely think I'd need a 7 in their flats. The Cornbury shoes retail for £65 and are made from eco-leather so are suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians. I think they add just the right amount of colour to this simple look and therefore I love them.

Have you heard of Yull before? Are you a fan of statement footwear?

T - Has sunny feet.

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5 Things I'm Loving This Week . . .

5 Things I'm Loving This Week . . .

Sunday 27 April 2014

13 comments

Well I saw Tara's post and couldn't help myself, so here are a few of my favourite things from the past few days!

First up is my new fave piece of Swarovski sparkle, the Adorn small pendant, it's so summery and I just love the opalescent centre stone. I feel like I can see unicorns and fairies dancing in it!



My fave Vichy BB cream finally ran out this week after what seems like an age, and seeing as I've wanted to try a CC cream since they appeared on the shelves I treated myself to Olay's Total Effects CC Cream and it is goooooood. My skin has a glow to it and feels softer. I can even put it on my nose which usually gets horribly dry when faced with make up of any sort, so hurrah!

Now I've had this clutch bag for literally months, I think I got it from New Look before Christmas, then I forgot about it, but isn't it adorable? I've been using it for the past 2 weeks and I can't believe I forgot about it. Look into those eyes!

This excited me no end when I first spied it, so I was squeeing past myself when it arrived this week. OPI Glitter Off Peelable Base Coat does exactly what it promises, though it looks, smells and feels like the white pva glue you used in primary school! You apply a thin base coat, glitter up, have your fun then sit back and marvel at how easy it is to remove! My concern was that it would lift before I was ready for it to, but 2 days in and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere without my say so, so I'm a happy bunny for now ;) 

And finally, Game Of Thrones is back so I celebrated by adding to my Funko Pop! collection with these cuties - Ghost and Jon Snow. Mmmmmm, Jon Snurrrrrrrr, with your pretteh eyes and your pretteh hurrrrrr . . . 

What are you loving this week? Thanks to T for the inspo!

J - Feeling the love.

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5 Things I'm Loving This Week...

5 Things I'm Loving This Week...

Saturday 26 April 2014

17 comments

I love reading these type of posts on other blogs so I decided to write about the 5 things I'm loving this week! 

1. First up is HealGel Eye, 'an anti-ageing eye formula to help diminish the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines'. I love trying new eye creams because I'm a bit obsessed with my fine lines and fighting the ageing process. I've been using this product for almost 2 weeks now and I love it. It has a nice thick, silky consistency and is very refreshing on the skin. 

So, do I look any younger? I'm not sure, but the skin under my eyes is more moisturised which helps to keep my fine lines hidden. The other day my mum even turned to me and asked what new product I'd been using because I was "looking really youthful". UM!? That's a good enough result for me! I will buying another when this runs out.

2. Wedgwood fine bone china 'Butterfly Bloom' cup and saucer. I love a good cup of tea and I've always been fond of vintage-esque cups but it's taken me a while to locate just the right one! I'd quite like to buy another so I have a set of two but £60 for two cups feels a bit excessive, so for now, it'll just be tea for one please.

3. Barry M Gelly Nail Polish in Sugar Apple and Green Berry. The internet is full of reviews of these polishes but they really do live up to the hype. These ultra glossy varnishes are hi-shine and come in a selection of delicious shades (with equally tasty names). Green Berry is my favourite but I can't wait to buy some more colours, there's currently a 3 for 2 offer on all Barry M at Superdrug if you fancy giving them a whirl.

Sadly, even with both a base and top coat, they always seem to chip on the first day. That could be down to me having somewhat of a hands-on job, I'm not sure. Even so, I still like them and I'm willing to repaint them every evening. I've been asked several times if I'm wearing Shellac nails!

4. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I've had this beauty tucked away since before Christmas, I was just waiting for my old nspa hot cloth polish to finish before I started using it! It's a wonderful product which I'd recommend to anyone, it has a lovely scent and feels smooth and creamy on the skin, leaving my skin thoroughly cleansed. 

The 100ml pump starter kit is £14.75 which I think is a really good price as it should last quite some time. On the nspa website there's a quote from The Mirror (ha) comparing their hot cloth polish to this one, it may be half the price but it's certainly not as good. My mum always taught me to invest in skincare and look after my skin and I think it has paid off, I have less wrinkles than many women my age. I do own a lot of Liz Earle so if anyone's interested I will review some more products from them over the next few weeks and months!

5. Black Pearl Dream Catcher Necklace. This was a birthday present from the super duper Kelly of Soul Sparkler. She always gives me such lovely gifts and I've spent the past week getting a lot of wear out of this one.

It seems I'm drawn to clothing and accessories featuring feathers and anything remotely boho, I've even been nicknamed feather girl by the nice lady who alters my clothes! I own a lot of feather print clothing and this necklace is just perfect for me. Kelly also believes in supporting smaller stores so I was extra chuffed when I realised it was by a sweet little jewellery brand called Black Pearl.

So there you have it, 5 of the things I'm loving this week! Do you like these kind of posts? Which of the above is your favourite?

T - aka feather girl. 

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Liberty London x Hello Kitty x Polka Milk

Liberty London x Hello Kitty x Polka Milk

Friday 25 April 2014

20 comments

I just had to show you guys these awesome tee designs by London based culinary inspired clothing brand Polka Milk! Made using rare and out of print, Japan exclusive Liberty fabric prints, these super cute 100% organic, climate neutral cotton tees have been produced in extremely limited numbers. Priced at £47 each, these tees have been released to buy online today so get in quick if you want one!



How ridiculously pretty are these prints?!The Mango & Dragon Fruit paisley print and Blueberry & Tomato floral print are my stand outs but they're all so perf! Totally love how they have just accented the cuffs and pocket of a plain tee as well, they'd look amazing paired with a pair of cropped jeans and summer pumps. SWOON.

I think I might treat myself if I can just make a decision! Which is your fave? 

J - Helllloooooooo Kitty.

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Swarovski True Blue Collection and Eastpak Cheetah Tote

Swarovski True Blue Collection and Eastpak Cheetah Tote

Thursday 24 April 2014

29 comments

Last week I received the sparkliest Easter package from Swarovski, they kindly gifted me 2 beautiful pieces from their new True Blue collection! Both Jade & I adore Swarovski, their jewellery is so special and it has the ability to transform an ordinary outfit into a more glamorous one.

I've wanted a ripped denim skirt since I spotted Rihanna wearing a sold out ACNE one last year. This ASOS version cost less than £20 and it's fantastic quality - it looks and feels like premium denim! I decided to pair it with my new Cheetah Eastpak Tote, a cami, some Ted Baker heels and pale pink boyfriend jacket.

Jacket: Own The Runway - Cami: Topshop - Necklace: Accessorize - Ted Baker Shoes: c/o Very - Bag: c/o Eastpak - Bracelet and Ring: c/o Swarovski

As we love animal print so much, the team at Eastpak sent Jade & I a cheetah backpack and tote set each! The Soukie Cheetah shoulder bag is a fantastic size, I love the leather handles and small, classic print. You can purchase this range from Selfridges or via the Eastpak online store. I'll definitely be using the backpack during festival season, it's just sooo cute and practical!

I think my blue sparkly accessories add the perfect pop of colour to this look, the stylish Slake Dark Blue Bracelet is completely my style, it gives the illusion of stacked bangles and can be worn both casually or on an evening. I also adore the blue Nirvana Petite Ring and when it catches the light it's even more eye-catching! Swarovski pieces are so classic and timeless.

Are you a fan of distressed denim? Do you own any jewellery from Swarovski?

T - Embracing my inner RiRi.

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Resident Ice Ice Breo - Too Cold Too Cold!

Resident Ice Ice Breo - Too Cold Too Cold!

Wednesday 23 April 2014

12 comments

Early Summer is a tricky old thing. It's sunny, but windy with a chill in the air so whilst I'm trying to transition with skirts and sunnies whilst clinging onto my leather jacket and boots for dear life!

I've just got a new pair of Breo Resident Ice Mirror sunglasses (£30) and I'm a bit in love. I was a bespectacled child so I get a little antsy when sporting eyewear as an adult, but these are so comfortable that I forget they're there! Breo's unique Soft-TRM finish makes the super lightweight smooth rubber frame feel peachy soft on my nose and ears and I just love the mirrored lenses. Come at me sunshine!

Outfit: Sunglasses - c/o Breo, Dress - Daisy Street, Jacket - Pull & Bear, Bag - H&M, Tights - Pretty Polly c/o My Tights, Boots - Dr Martens, Bracelet (worn as necklace) - c/o Swarovski, Necklace - Vivienne Westwood, Bangle - Vivienne Westwood.

I feel like I could wear these sunnies with every type of outfit, though I am particularly loving them with the greys and blues in this one! I'm also wearing a particularly pretty Swarovski Slake bracelet around my neck, it's a wrap bracelet with a snap closure but it looks really cute as a choker in my opinion :) Got to love a bit of versatility and the colour is just a perfect match for this look!

I'm obsessed with these Pretty Polly OTK Secret Socks Tights (£9.95 from MyTights). Unlike other faux suspender or OTK tights these ones actually look and feel like you've pulled a pair of OTK socks on over tights! They feel thick and warm with a ribbed top and everything. Pretty Polly have totally nailed it with these, if they did a grey pair or contrasting colours I would be in hosiery heaven!

How are you adapting to this warmer weather? Can you guys believe we're going into May next week? This year is flying! 

J - Ch-ch-changes

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Warehouse Cropped Mac and Nica Floral Satchel

Warehouse Cropped Mac and Nica Floral Satchel

Tuesday 22 April 2014

23 comments

Have you missed my famous train shots!? I thought the blinding sun and Easter crowds would make taking these photos almost impossible but thankfully my expert photographer (aka my mum) came through for me. The weather has been a bit changeable as of late, but last Saturday was glorious and called for a fashionable lightweight jacket - say hello to my awesome new cropped mac from Warehouse!

Jacket: c/o Warehouse - Jeans: c/o Twist and Tango (last season) - Bag: Nica - Brogues: ASOS - Hat: H&M

I remember buying a similar jacket from Warehouse when I started university approximately a million years ago. I parted with it a while back but this stylish updated version is just the ticket! I wore it with my Twist and Tango Tina trousers, ASOS brogues and this pretty floral Alicia satchel by Nica! This bag is the perfect size, as much as I love my Sara cross body bag, this one is a little more roomy and oh so springlike. It also comes in various other colours, I really want the pink floral version next! I was lucky enough to meet and interview designer Nica a couple of weeks back, she's so sweet and talented and I can't wait to see more from her.

Do you own any cropped jackets? Are you a fan of satchels?

T - Springalicious.

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#OOTD - Eastpak Padded Pak'R Cheetah Backpack and ASPCA Cat Vans!

#OOTD - Eastpak Padded Pak'R Cheetah Backpack and ASPCA Cat Vans!

Monday 21 April 2014

13 comments

We're all about the backpacks this week, but we've been casting aside our little girly Clueless styles for some serious one strapping with Eastpak who thought we'd appreciate a little cheetah in our lives, and they'd be right!

The Eastpak Padded Pak'R Backpack (£55) is a must have in any of it's 48 colours and patterns, but when you throw animal print at such an iconic style it becomes a fashion essential. Aside from looking super stylish, it features a comfortable padded back section and thick padded, ergonomically designed shoulder straps to help handle the vast interior space. In other words, you could pretty much carry Yoda around in it all day and you wouldn't feel him, or The Force. To the outfit . . . 

Outfit: Bag - c/o Eastpak, Tshirt - Wildfox, Dungarees - H&M, Belt - L.A.M.B., Shoes - Vans, Scarf around wrist - Vivienne Westwood, Watch - Casio Sheen. 

The bag is the perfect accessory for this sort of super casual outfit. Sometimes I spend ages trying to figure out a bag for an outfit like this because they all look a bit too faffy or small for such an easy going look, but this is my new best friend! A real grab and go piece.

I love the tan accents against the monochrome animal print, it takes a sporty shape like this to a slightly more stylish level, and means that I can happily wear it with smarter shoes like boots, rather than just pumps or trainers. I know, I have these weird quirks but it's details like this that stand out to me!

I think it's the perfect partner to my new ASPCA Vans. Casual cool and a bit off the wall (no pun intended), both the shoes and the bag are rocking very busy patterns but somehow they stop short of clashing and just work, yey!

I was shocked to read that Eastpak runs a 30 year warranty on this bag too, as with all it's regular products! I was like, whaaaaaaat?! That's huge. Not that I'm about to go swinging from the trees with it but it's certainly good to know. Oh, and P.S. the Eastpak Pur Sang Collection - check it out, it's SLICK.

And with that, happy Bank Holiday Monday guys! 

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The Great Antler Brit Kit!

The Great Antler Brit Kit!

Sunday 20 April 2014

37 comments

Luggage experts Antler recently carried out a survey to find out how many of us won't leave the country without packing our fave British products and discovered that a huge 41% of us make sure we pack our homegrown essentials before hitting the plane! We can totally relate to hiding our preferred teabags amongst the bikinis and suncream . . .

Anyhoo, we were each given an Antler Brit Kit full of awesome branded faves, both housed in a fab Antler Ferdinand Backpack, so we thought we'd do a little show and tell on a few of our travel essentials!

Tara is an experienced worldwide traveller so she sure does know her stuff, but she's particularly looking forward to Glasto this year! Her must-pack beauty essentials for festivals include :

Smashbox Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara

Vichy BB Cream

Johnson's Face Care Makeup Be Gone Wipes

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Blistex Relief Cream

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen 

And the most important item - Johnsons Baby Wipes!

Backpack: c/o Antler - Dress: H&M - Jacket: HIDE Label - Sunglasses: Ray-ban Clubmasters c/o Shade Station.

Jade is more of an overnight girl, and whether that means a stay in a hotel or with friends for the weekend it's always about space saving and multi-tasking! So what travel essentials get packed first? 

Benefit Fake Up Concealer

Nivea Creme

Dove Compressed Anti-Perspirant

Lush Flying Fox Shower Gel (if there's no Snow Fairy left!)

Melvita Purifying Roll On SOS Blemish Care

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm

And the most important item - Andrex Washlets!

Backpack: c/o Antler - Dungarees: H&M - Belt: L.A.M.B. - Scarf: Vivienne Westwood - Shoes: Vans - Watch: Casio Sheen.

Be sure to check out the official results of the Antler Brit Kit survey, listing the nations fave everyday essentials, beauty brands and indulgent snacks with some interesting facts :) You can also find out how you can win your very own Antler Brit Kit using Twitter!

J & T - Locking Antlers

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Rawrgirls Review . . . NV Colour Cosmetics!

Rawrgirls Review . . . NV Colour Cosmetics!

Saturday 19 April 2014

8 comments

I was recently introduced to NV Colour Cosmetics and nabbed a few of their products to try out for you! 

I tried NV Flamenco Lipstick (£6), NV Mist Eyeshadow (£5) and two of the Chunky Eye Crayon's - Forest and Ingot (£5 each). First off, I do like their functional black packaging, particularly the magnetic topped lipstick and the eyeshadow case with hidden mirror and compartment for applicator, and I'm a total sucker for a twist up pencil of any kind - good start!

A quick bit of swatching to kick us off. From the top you can see Mist Eyeshadow (a must have neutral), then Forest Chunky Eye Crayon (a beautiful metallic green), Ingot Chunky Eye Crayon (a deep bronze) and a squiggle of Flamenco Lipstick to the side (an extremely wearable coral).

I used Mist all over the eyes and as a neutral base it's very nice with good coverage, this is the type of colour I'd repeat buy and use every day. Then I applied the Chunky Eye Crayon in Forest on the lid, with a touch of Ingot to the crease and lower lash line. The crayons have a very soft and slick consistency, almost like cream shadow. My first attempt at blending the colours on the upper lid just smudged the green into a wash of colour, which is nice if that's what you want to achieve but as I was trying to show the colour I went over it again and didn't attempt further blending. Lesson learnt. I think next time I'll apply Ingot to the crease first before going over it with Forest on the lid! So the top two pics are the blended looks while the bottom two are the second attempt. I do like the product and the colours are very pretty, but I think I need practice to really master the art of applying them! With regards to staying power you have to think along the lines of a cream shadow, it's going to crease with time but hey, it's a pencil so carrying it in your bag for touch ups isn't going to break your back ;)

Now the NV Lipstick in Flamenco is definitely my pick of the bunch! I do love a good coral lip colour and I have wore this all week since it landed on my doorstep. It's a creamy, moisturising formula but it also lasts for ages, it reminds me a little of my fave MAC lippies, but at less than half the price - bonus! This is my summer lip look totally sorted in one product. 

NV Colour Cosmetics is uber blogger friendly and their webby has been designed to be totally interactive, linking us in with the social media pages and Youtube tutorial vids so if you're intrigued by what you've seen here be sure to check it out!

J - eNVy

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Bath in Fashion 2014 Bloggers Preview!

Bath in Fashion 2014 Bloggers Preview!

Friday 18 April 2014

12 comments

Last Sunday I was invited to the Bath in Fashion 2014 bloggers preview, where I heard all about this year's event and had the chance to hang out with some of my favourite South West bloggers. We met at The Royal Crescent Hotel, a beautiful hotel & spa situated in Bath. We were greeted with drinks and snacks and given the lowdown on this year's exciting Bath in Fashion line up which kicks off from the 3rd-10th May. There will be some incredible speakers including Meadham Kirchhoff, Topshop's managing director Mary Homer, and a masterclass with Nina Campbell! I'm also looking forward to the catwalk shows and fashion fairs. For more info and dates, please visit the official website.

 Chanii B. Mag Rainbow Unicorn Shoes

 

After hearing about what we can expect, it was time for a fashion scavenger hunt! We were split into teams and challenged to take photos of SS14 trends in shops across Bath. The team with the most Instagram snaps was declared the winner! It was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to explore some of the city's best boutiques and stores. My team 'last but not least' was made up of Kelly of Soul Sparkler, SJ of Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion and Polly of Polly Frances Elizabeth. We were a dream team! 

The beautiful rainbow unicorn shoes above are from Chanii B, a unique shoe brand with a distinct style! How epic are they? Sadly they were way too high for me but Kelly was willing to be my shoe model and I think they look uh-mazing on.

My favourite boutique of the day was Liz Cox, a luxury British handbag brand which launched 20 years ago. All of their bags are handmade in Somerset by a highly skilled team and each bag is individually hand cut. You're also able to customise your bag if you'd like and they can even provide a colour matching service. I loved their beautiful bright Morford bags and metallic clutches! The quality is extremely high so these bags are certainly investment pieces. The Lansdown is another shape of theirs I really like, I can definitely see myself with a classic black version. Swoooon.

During the fashion hunt, we popped into Duo and I saw numerous pairs of shoes I want in my life. My favourite pair had to be these Ardon shoe boots, I want the black but the red colour is also rather nice! Wouldn't you agree?

After the scavenger hunt, we headed to the Fashion Museum to see the latest exhibition for 2014 - Georgians. The exhibition includes over 40 original Georgian outfits as well as Georgian-inspired fashions by Vivienne Westwood, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Meadham Kirchhoff, Anna Sui and Stephen Jones.

The frocks were exquisite, 18th century life looked so grand! These low light photos don't do the garments justice but the exhibition is on until January 2015 so I recommend checking it out for yourself. Whenever I visit the Fashion Museum I can't resist playing dress up, how cute is this Victorian smock dress? It wouldn't look out of place on the streets today!

We finished our day with a glass of champagne and a goody bag. I did a little squee when I spotted 2 Anthropologie presents and opened them to find some lovely notebooks and pencils! A new Anthropologie store is opening in Bath on Friday 30th May 2014 - hurray! I've been a huge fan for years but my closest store is on Regent Street in London so I'm really chuffed that soon I'll only be 15mins away on a train.

Thanks to the Bath in Fashion team and all the stores involved for such an awesome day! Have you been to BIF? Will you be attending this year?

T - Fancies a Bath shopping-spree!

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