Fashion | Autumn Skirts

So I've been a little off the grid recently. I have a new job and new projects and so blogging has been hard to fit in recently. I'm hoping to be more settled in a few months and so will be able to jump back into the saddle and really get going with it again!

In between working I've been home to Suffolk and catching-up with friends which leads me to the theme of this post... my first fashion-ish post! I say ish because its not a full-on one. I'm just so in love with the skirt I had to share it with you guys! There is nothing better than investing in a piece of clothing that slips seamlessly into your wardrobe and just works with everything in it - which is exactly what happened with this piece!

I wore it to a catch-up lunch with one of my best friends Callum and it served me very well. Comfy, Versatile and Long enough for by 5'11" frame! It is definitely one that will keep me going through Autumn and well into the long Scottish Winter.

Its a beaut from Zara, and a recent purchase so it'll bound to still be in the shops!

What do you guys think of the look?

Skirt - Zara, Necklace - Zara (Similar)  Fur Stole - New Look, Top - Gap, Boots - Topshop, Bracelets - Assorted Primark.

Fashion | Wish-list: Workout Watch

As you all know I like to have my cake and eat it, which means I usually exercise 4 or 5 times a week!

That may seem like a lot but I usually do really quick, effective gym workouts or those that I really enjoy, such as kettlebells! As the old saying goes "Time flies when you're having fun", so I rarely notice how long I'm spending!

However, in the gym world it is often crucial to keep an eye on the time and having a good watch makes a world of difference to a good workout - especially if you're doing a tabata interval workout or trying to hit a new record time on the cross-trainer!

For my usual gym session I like to mix it up with 1 minute kettlebell intervals (repeated 10-15 times), core exercises and a 15 minute cardio session to cool down. These timed exercise mean I always need to have my phone or watch handy.

I recently stumbled across The Watch Gallery and have completely fallen in love with this Unisex Bell & Ross* watch.

I love its clean design, so simple, and the square face gives it a touch of modernism!

It has a large hands which make it easy to read even at a glance (perfect if you're trying to keep your balance on the running machines!) and the second dial that measures seconds is a bonus for when you're doing intervals of less than a minute!

The watch also has a plastic strap which means it doesn't matter if it gets a little sweaty and its waterproof for those of you that like a post-gym swim!

Its definitely on my wish-list for my new gym time-piece!

DIY | Sweet 'n Spicy Scrub

I don't know about you but the bitterly cold and windy weather we've had recently has taken its toll on my lips!

They're constantly dried and chapped and, although my Vaseline is working overtime on them, there is nothing that seems to really keep them right!

Until I happened upon this little DIY! I love a beauty trick that cuts costs so this is right up my street!

This is an easy peasy (and most importantly, tasty) creation that will smooth out those poor lips and make them pucker-up perfect, just in time for all that spring smooching!


You'll need:
Brown or White Sugar
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (or Olive Oil)
Chopped Herbs and Fruits of your choice
Flavour extracts and Spices of your choice.

Instructions:
Choose your container and measure out the sugar so it is about half-full.

Measure out your coconut oil, you're aiming for a 1:1 ratio.

Place the oil and sugar in a mixing bowl and add your herbs, spices and fruits. I've chosen my favourite flavours Cinnamon and Maple Syrup! ( I found a dash of Maple Syrup and a tsp of Cinnamon did the trick!)

Gently combine - be careful not to overmix as this will make the sugar dissolve!
 

Place the scrub into an airtight container and store in a fridge for up to 2 weeks. When you need to use it remove from the fridge for 5 minutes so it softens and is easier to apply!

I've used it once already and my lips have never been so soft!

Let me know how you get on, what flavours did you use?

Fashion | Vanilla Sundae SS14

I'm dreaming of a white.... beach. Christmas has finished and yes, its still freezing outside but I'm being optimistic and looking ahead to the summer!

I can't wait for warm beaches, beer gardens and summer dresses. Until then I'm contenting myself with dreaming up my summer wardrobe.















Taking inspiration from the top here are my picks for Spring/Summer this year. 

Sarah Burton didn't want the SS14 McQueen collection to feel to anchored to a particular period or theme and this was easy to see whilst watching the show. Every piece evoked a different theme or feeling; Celtic Warriers, Picasso... I could go on! 

What really caught my eye however was the delicate cream dresses contrasted and toughened up with tribal embellishment.

Image: style.com

Topshop have a similar style on sale currently if you can't quite find the pennies for a McQueen. Hurry though, it is on sale! You can find it here.

My weakness is cream layers, so when I spotted this Alexander Wang outfit I knew the high street will fill up with cream frills, peplums and layers this summer.

Image: style.com

I can't wait!

Until then I've found a couple of pieces online that I can't wait to arrive. This is my favourite at the moment - slightly more reserved than its catwalk counterpart but still frilly enough to satisfy my cravings!

Something I love about summer is that you can get away with more. This comes into play, for me, when I've been on holiday and have lost my exercise routine. 

The boxy shapes that were seen heading down the runway's of McQueen, Adam Lippes and Prada are crucial to hiding the post-holiday bits you would rather people didn't see!

I love a simple dress and McQueen has come up trumps, if you love it as much as I do you can buy it here. 

If you want an alternative then topshop have this great 60's dress that has those dreamy cream layers I'm so in love with. 

And if you want to embrace the vanilla trend in the office then Harrods are selling this gorgeous McQueen peplum jacket.

If Harrods isn't in your budget then don't worry! H&M have you covered - their Tuxedo Jacket is only £24.99 and in that gorgeous shade of vanilla you'll be able to wear it with everything!

All this talk of vanilla has given me some serious ice-cream cravings, I hope the ice cream man comes round early! 

Whats your favourite piece?

Fashion | January Jewels

I hate this time of year. Its a struggle to get back into the swing of work, up here in Scotland it is daylight for about 4 hours a day and when it is light it's raining.

Delightful.

I find that the only way to create some sparkle and fun in my day is to accessorize heavily, there are so many amazing pieces in the shops right now too!

Image from: whatsimonsaid.co.uk

So here I present to you lucky people, my pick of the January Jewels!

This Topshop design is a perfect beginners necklace for those of you that aren't quite confident enough to rock a full statement necklace. Silver tones were seen all over the runways during New York fashion week and they are subtle for those first timers!

I find colourful necklaces ingenious, they literally go with everything! Harrods obviously agree as they are currently featuring this one which has a smorgasbord of colours in it - perfect for pairing with any outfit. 

What a find! 

Nothing gets me through January quite like ocean blue tones, this necklace is that gorgeous Maldive-ocean colour that we all sit at our desks and dream of. Its a bargain too at  £16.50!

My absolute favourite is this mega necklace, I'm a sucker for a sparkly necklace and I'm a firm believer that nothing is too sparkly for daywear - including this little Topshop number. At £80 it may have to be my payday treat...

What is your favourite piece of jewellery to wear?