Ted & Muffy AW16: Standpoint Mid Calf Boots

Ted & Muffy AW16: Standpoint Mid Calf Boots

Wednesday, 30 November 2016

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For me, one of the best things about autumn/winter is the outerwear (hello faux fur!) and cosy footwear. I love oversized fluffy coats - the bigger, the better - and I also adore leather boots. As I've got older, I've definitely started to invest in higher quality garments over fast fashion. I must admit I do still like a fast fashion binge every now and again but more often than not, I'll opt for a more expensive item if I know it'll last longer.

The fluffy jacket pictured below is by Australian brand Unreal Fur, who Jade and I interviewed a few years ago. I adore their ethos and their pieces are so beautiful and soft... Well worth the investment. I hardly ever buy faux leather footwear (unless I'm wearing trainers), I tend to opt for a designer boot in the colder months or a style from my favourite fairytale fitters, Ted & Muffy.

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Sophisticated Star Wars Gifting with Pen Heaven - Cross Star Wars

Sophisticated Star Wars Gifting with Pen Heaven - Cross Star Wars

Wednesday, 23 November 2016

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I'm a big Star Wars fan, but sometimes I long for some sophisticated merch amongst the fun, nerd out stuff, you know? So when passionate about pens store Pen Heaven got in touch to show me the amazing range of Cross Star Wars pens and journals I was like, oh HELL yes! 

Cross Pens is regarded as America's oldest manufacturer of writing instruments, and the pioneer of the mechanical pencil. Their designs are inspired by Art Deco and Manhattan architecture with aerodynamic lines and gleaming finishes. So basically, they're just beautiful, timeless pieces and it's all kinds of awesome that they've teamed up with Star Wars to create this amazing themed range. The range starts at just £30 for a click ballpoint pen like this gold C3PO one I have here, to £55 for a ballpoint and journal set, rising through to £295 for a limited edition Townsend style rollerball pen. If I may venture an opinion, regardless of your budget these pieces make perfect gifts for any Star Wars fan, and I am in love with mine!

Pen - Cross Star Wars c/o Pen Heaven

It writes like a dream in smooth gel ink, with a clean rollerball movement, and makes me want to take up letter writing just so I can use it more often! I love how stylish it looks (I totally wish I had bought one for my Star Wars themed wedding guest book!) and it totally looks the part on my desk. 

This £30 slimline style is available in C3PO (as pictured here), Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, R2D2 and BB-8 and comes gift boxed and ready for gifting action. So if you know someone like me who is programmed for etiquette, not destruction, a Cross Star Wars pen from Pen Heaven is the perfect gift choice this Christmas! 

J xoxo

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AW16 Trend Watch: The Military Jacket

AW16 Trend Watch: The Military Jacket

Monday, 21 November 2016

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One of the autumn/winter trends I'm most into this year is military inspired outerwear. The London catwalks were giving off huge military vibes at the beginning of the year, with capes and wool double-breasted jackets from Mulberry, to oversized military bomber jackets from Topshop. As fashion comes in cycles, I remember loving this trend the first time around... I wanted nothing more than a red military (or band) jacket. Sadly the perfect one sold out (and I often still search for it on eBay), but when I spotted this navy version from Joanna Hope at JD Williams, I knew this was my second chance at embracing this trend. 

JD Williams wasn't a brand I was previously familiar with, I think initially they were targeting an older audience, however they have so many stylish, on trend pieces - they are clearly now trying to encourage a younger customer. They have an array of sequin numbers - ideal for party season - and an epic outerwear range. 

Jacket: Joanna Hope via JD Williams (c/o) - Dress: New Look - Tights: Wolford 

This jacket is extremely versatile. It looks great with a basic tee, jeans and boots but at the weekend I wore it with a velour dress, black courts and statement Wolford tights (as seen on Katy Perry in her Killer Queen perfume imagery). I'm wearing the size 10 which still has room for layering. I've seen so many similar jackets on the high street but none of them compare to this one. The embroidery makes it that much more special, it's of higher quality and has a designer feel to it. If you're considering buying a jacket like this yourself, I recommend avoiding the mass produced versions you might find if you spend a bit less, because it's all about cost per wear. Am I right!?

I'm now looking for a longer military coat to keep me warm in the colder months ahead. Ideally it'll be khaki green, made from wool with loads of buttons. If you see anything, please let me know!

What's your favourite trend this season? Would you wear a military jacket?

T - Rawrgirl regiment.

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Competition! Win an Opes Robur Rose Gold Screw Cuff Bracelet (Worth £109)!

Competition! Win an Opes Robur Rose Gold Screw Cuff Bracelet (Worth £109)!

Saturday, 19 November 2016

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Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle on their wrist at Christmas? Well here's your chance to win a beautiful, original piece from Opes Robur! Opes Robur only use the highest quality materials from around the world for their wrist wear which is then hand processed in rose gold, yellow gold or silver, and in some pieces with their unique diamond range. All of their bracelets are made to order and can be tailored to individual needs, and this is your chance to join the most exclusive wrist wear club in the world!

We have up for grabs one fabulously edgy Opes Robur 18K Rose Gold Signature Unisex Screw Cuff Bracelet worth £109, finished with the unique SONA Diamond screw tip! It is crafted from the highest quality 316L steel, then layered in fine 18K rose gold and stamped. This piece will fits wrists up to 62mm and also comes with a no fade lifetime promise. 

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CO By Andrew Collinge

CO By Andrew Collinge

Wednesday, 16 November 2016

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Rawr fave Andrew Collinge (we've met don't you know) has released a fab new range of styling products, CO by Andrew Collinge, and I got my paws on a few bits to try out. The new products were developed through collabs between Andrew and his fab MUA wife Liz, along with their clients and colleagues, so it's a fully rounded pro line consisting of 9 premium, unisex, results driven products and is exclusive to purchase from www.andrewcollinge.com

I tried the Hair Moisturiser (£8 for £150ml) for heat protection and shine, definitely something my long, constantly blow dried hair needs. It contains Argan Oils to smooth, detangle and hydrate. I noticed a distinct difference in the ends of my hair after blowing, I had that fabulous light as air whip flick going on and my split ends (big sorry to my stylist) looked minimal so that's a big positive for me.

Once dry, I always twist my hair into a bun and spritz a little hairspray on it because I like the tousled waves it sets into when I take it out 30 mins or so later. So this is where the Firm Hold Hairspray (£5.50 for 100ml) comes in, and oh my god it smells amazing! The scent is listed as Sandalwood, and it's so yummy and spicy, unlike any other hairspray I've ever tried. I only use a light spray but when I take out the bun there is no stickiness or crunchiness to the waves and my hair is bouncy and light - hurrah! 

Finally I used the Definer (£10 for 100ml) to seal the style, rubbing a little between my fingers and palms and using it to lightly 'scrunch' (awful retro term there soz) the wavy ends to give them a glossy, tat free finish - beaut. I can see my man robbing this one too because again, the sandalwood scent is a bit of alright.

Products c/o Andrew Collinge.

I don't think you can go wrong with a proven professional line like Andrew Collinge. You can't argue with a fourth gen salon dynasty, plus my mum loved him and the Liverpool salon, so I followed on in her hairsteps by buying the stying products as soon as my pocket money allowed me to :)

I'll be trying the Invisible Dry Shampoo next (I rather unashamedly love the stuff and like to try every newbie that drops, and a premium one is the dream) and I think I'll get Tim the Clay as he has thick hair and this claims to prevent over-mattifying, which is a problem we are actually familiar with believe it or not!

In other hair news, I'm considering chopping my hair to my shoulders and getting a golden ombre. It's a big deal but I'm getting bored of my waist length braaaaahhhhhhnnnn hair now and fancy a change. I'll be taking objections and opinions until December so if you feel truly strongly about it please stand up.

J xoxo

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Ted Baker Idacon Bag with House Of Fraser

Ted Baker Idacon Bag with House Of Fraser

Monday, 14 November 2016

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Isn't this just the most Christmassy bag you've ever seen? All that red glitter and gold is so festive! Good old Ted Baker, they know the gift game so well which is why the brand is one of my faves for present buying, I can already count at least 6 Ted gifts in my (yes, very organised) to wrap pile, and House Of Fraser has an amazing selection of TB goodies to choose from this season. 

This is the Ted Baker Idacon Small Bowcon Bag in Burgundy, £35. For an extra tenner you can get the large version, but this size is perfect to use as an evening bag, and that glitter bow with gold accent really sets it off as a perfect party accessory! The colour is delicious, and flips between black, burgundy and red depending on the light. I also love the cut out detail on the top, very pretty. Inside is very spacious with a pale pink zip compartment for your important things. It's big enough to hold a large wallet, phone and A5 notebook if you're into that sort of thing, so it makes a really substantial designer gift for the TB fan in your life (who isn't though really?!).

Bag - Ted Baker c/o House Of Fraser

Also available in a beautiful rose gold, shiny silver and feminine light pink, there's a style to suit everyone so this is a no brainer really. I love this burgundy because it will easily go with an LBD, a little jewel coloured sequin or velvet number, or even a smart tux. Basically, Ted rules and House Of Fraser is an enabler, but we love them for it! 

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

J xoxo

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GANT Originals AW16: Air Chambray Shirt

GANT Originals AW16: Air Chambray Shirt

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

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It seems this autumn I can't help but be drawn to shirts! Today I'm styling another classic shirt, this time from GANT - who like to consider themselves the champions of shirting. As mentioned in my previous style post, I love nothing more than styling shirts with jeans and trainers...Which is the look I've gone for today.

GANT's shirts are fantastic quality and have a lovely fit, this American brand dates back to 1949 but has European sophistication. What I love most about their shirts is how stylish they are! They have an impressive range of shirts and blouses, from classic Oxford shirts to bow blouses and boyfriend shirts - there's something to suit every woman's individual style or mood. GANT's latest women's collection has a feminine silhouette which draws inspiration from traditional men’s colours and patterns. 

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McArthurGlen & Brooks Brothers: The Iconic White Shirt

McArthurGlen & Brooks Brothers: The Iconic White Shirt

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

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A few weeks ago, I took a trip to my local McArthurGlen designer outlet to take part in an exciting blogger challenge! To tie in with the launch of Brooks Brothers' White Shirt bar, which toured the country in a six-wheeler American truck, I was given the task of styling one of their classic white shirts. 

How do I usually wear a white shirt? With jeans, a fedora and some trainers. Standard. However, I wanted to think outside of the box and try something new for this challenge, so promised myself I'd be open minded while scouring the stores. I was armed with a gift card, selfie stick, snacks (for energy) and a swish notebook. Everything a woman needs for a successful shopping day.

The White Shirt bar was launched by Millie Mackintosh, who styled her own Brooks Brothers shirt with black skinnies. Of course the key ingredient to an effortless, white shirt ensemble is the perfect crisp shirt. I own 3 white shirts but none compare to the quality of this american classic. The brand is renown for high quality and timeless designs, was established in 1818 and has been worn by some of the most iconic people in history - from Roosevelt to Bristol's own Cary Grant!

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Mermaid Tail Blanket With Octer

Mermaid Tail Blanket With Octer

Tuesday, 1 November 2016

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We were recently introduced to Octer, a multi-channel shopping platform that allows you to search for items and view all possible retailers at the same time, so you can compare prices and variations all in one place without having a ton of tabs open. There's also an option to view only sale items, ideal if you're after a branded item that could be in multiple stores. It's nice to see your options next to each other and you can save them for later too. Octer is ideal for mobile shopping on phones and tablets, but also totally works on your desktop too. 

I really like how Octer only uses top UK stores, meaning you won't get any dodgy items from eBay or pesky Asian sites skewing your search results. Soz aba me but if I want to search eBay for something then I will search eBay, you know? Google, I'm looking at you here. I'm looking for trustworthy stores with good quality and fast delivery, so Octer's search facility was perfect for me. After getting familiar with the site I decided to test it out on something I've wanted for a while but had no clue about how many retailers were potentially out there, a mermaid tail blanket! 

I typed 'mermaid tail blanket' into the search feature and there they all were, mostly on Boohoo, but a couple on ASOS and New Look too (I did NOT know New Look sold them?!). Anyway, ASOS was the obvious choice for me despite being the most expensive. I'm a points collecting A-Lister and can't live without my unlimited next day delivery, so I clicked through to their Club L Night Mermaid Blanket in Green at £32, and ordered straight away. 

And here it is! I have to say, the quality is top notch and I'm glad I 'shelled' (geddit?) a bit more out on it. Call me a snob and a half if you like, but the Boohoo styles looked a bit thin to me, more glitter and fun than warmth and substance. Anyhoo, what is it like? It's weighty, definitely a snuggler, though obviously there's only room for one person in it! Also, I was surprised that the fins were open, as in it's not a closed 'tube' that you slide into. On the plus side, this makes it easier to jump up and get another biscuit for your cup of tea without taking it off, but on the down side it means there is potential for cold feet. It totally looks the part though doesn't it? I can't imagine any girl not wanting one of these, it would be the perfect Christmas gift!

Blanket - ASOS c/o Octer

Isn't it beaut?! I can't recommend it enough, so if you're on the fence about buying one for yourself or as a gift I hope this review has pushed you off it! Why not do the same search I did on Octer? It's pretty addictive though, I put a few already purchased Christmas gifts through just to check they weren't cheaper elsewhere :S They weren't thank god, but it's a slippery slope so probably best to stick to future purchases! ;)

J xoxo

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