Missguided SS14 Preview

  

Last week I was kindly invited along to have a sneak preview at the SS14 drop at Missguided. It was so nice to be able to take one of my best friends along and have a mooch around at what the brand has to offer in the coming months. We were treated to some delicious cocktails and Mexican treats so armed with full bellies we set about to have a look. I was delighted to see lots of 60s influenced clothes - the grey checked pencil skirt caught my eye straight away. It looks like checks are firmly here to stay so you'll be able to carry over the next season! Twin sets and neon brights were plentiful. Just look at the colour of that neon lace midi dress! I just need to work on my six pack and that pink Pop Art striped set will be mine.   

Has anything tickled your fancy from the collection?

There are more pictures over on my Facebook page.

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Laura Ashley s/s14 Collection

When I grow up. I want my house to be filled with lots of pretties from Laura Ashley. It's such a pleasure to be asked to pop along and have a mooch at their latest offerings. I always come away with a list as long as my arm and this season was no different.

As I walked in from the bitter cold outside, it was like being transported into a beautiful spring day in the countryside. With pretty, floral prints and rustic charm, the press day took on a perfect British Country show theme. I always think Laura Ashley is so brilliant at capturing everything quintessentially  British. If you was in any doubt, you were greeted by a rosette, huge horse and a pair of wellies as you turned the corner! Even if you prefer a more modern touch on your homeware, you wouldn't be disappointed. The brand manages to offer something for everyone regardless of their taste in interiors.

I think the clothing collection was one of the best so far. Gorgeous tea dresses, fun welles and floral bags are all on the Spring agenda. Fear not if you're not really a girly girl as there will be some stunning, simplistic clothing begging to be worn. The above navy dress will slot right into your wardrobe! You'll have no problem adding a pop of colour to your spring wardrobe next year.

On a side note, I really do need to start remembering to bring my camera along to events and not rely on my phone!

Do you have a soft spot for Laura Ashley too?

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Very S/S14 Collection

I was very kindly invited along to have a mooch at what Very has to offer us next season. I know, is it really that time of year again?!

The thing I was most excited about was to have a peak at Fearne Cottons home range. Since being told I need to seriously start saving for my own house next year and the fact Mulberry bags are not an investment, I have been obsessed with interiors and spending far too much time on Pinterest. Her current range is very vintage and gothic inspired - it looks very luxurious. Next seasons offering is a lot more girly but still with that vintage edge. I fell in love with the flamingo cushion and think it'll look fab on my wicker chair in my bedroom. It's full of bright pretty colours and looks very girly.

Onto the clothes. I noticed that neons will still be a big player again next season so make sure you haven't thrown any of this seasons offerings away! The neon maxi skirt is such a gorgeous vibrant colour and will be a fab holiday buy. Although tartan doesn't seem to have stayed, checks are still prominent. It looks like next S/S we'll be opting for the tailored look with lots of sophisticated pencil skirts and shift dresses. I'm happy to see a lot of the dresses and skirts will be knee length. I'm too tall to look elegant in a mini dress, especially with a gust of wind!

What do you have your eye on from Very?

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Asos a/w collection

I spend too much of my hard earned wages on ASOS so when the opportunity came up to preview their a/w collection with the dream team member Sarah  I was there faster than Usain Bolt. It didn't hurt I also got to spend some quality time with Sarah and Hannah too - what a lovely little reunion it made.

Anyway onto the clothes. It seems like textures will be a big selling point at ASOS this year. Lots of fur, tartan, velvet and ponyhair. Well there goes my wage packet... The gorgeous leopard print pencil skirt is already on the site and it's currently saved in my favourites. I've resisted so far but I'm not sure how much longer i'll be able to hold out. Statement jewels show no sign of fading out and cocoon oversized coats seems to be flavour of the mouth. I'm still trying to work out if they're going to make me look 50 stone heavier. Once again ASOS has pulled out all the trumps - can they ever do any wrong?!

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Laura Ashley Press Day AW13

A few weeks ago I was very kindly invited along to the Laura Ashley press day to see what wares they had coming up next season. Held in a ultra swish venue in central London - Il Bottaccio in case you were wondering -, the selection  of clothes were very impressive indeed.  From patterned trousers to leather jackets everything seem to catch my eye and I built up a mental wishlist as long as my arm.  The red duffle coat above received a massive thumbs up from me and i've now decided my new winter coat will have to be a duffle. Paddington Bear is the ultimate style icon don't you agree? The company seemed to be embracing all the winter trends and showed that the patterned trousers craze really isn't showing any signs of slowing down. Statement necklaces also made a welcomed appearance. They're great for jazzing up your outfit when you're a little short of cash.

Laura Ashley is also famous for it's amazing homeware. It may be a little pricey but you really do get what you pay for - the quality looks fantastic. This glass dressing table was without a doubt my favourite piece. It is such a pretty rose gold colour and really does takes centre point. it's certainly a talking point. With lots of beautiful little trinkets on offer, you don't have to spend a fortune to inject a little glamour into your home.

Finally we were given a little sneaky peak into the Laura Ashley 60 exhibition. The company reaches the grand old age of 60 this year and have opened their archives. It was so interesting to hear how the company has evolved and look at products through the ages. How cute are the matching sailor inspired dresses?! Laura Ashley have incorporated some designs from the past into the present collection so you get a real vintage feel.

Do you shop in Laura Ashley?

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Ann Summers Press Day

A good few weeks ago now I was invited down to see what Ann Summers had to offer in terms of underwear. The company seems to have quite a smutty reputation and this is something they're keen to move away from and become more appealing to women. After all there's nothing smutty about the underwear they have to offer! They had amazing quality and pretty underwear on show. It's not just for the bedroom.  I adore the Kickerbox range in the first picture. It's pretty and practical for everyday wear at a very reasonable price. The girly colours and patterns were lovely. After all having nice matching underwear really does add a spring in your step. Just me?

The company is actually launching a new underwear fitting service. Believe it or not, so many women are still not wearing the right size bra and it's unbelievably important to make sure your bra fits you properly. The staff are expertly trained and rather than whip out the tape measure, they do it by eye. My consultant was spot on! You're then given a selection of bra styles to try on in privacy in the fitting room to see which one you like the best. It feels so much more comfortable than having to get half naked in front of a sales assistant. The 14-year-old in me still cringes at that thought.

Have you ever splashed out on Ann Summers underwear?

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New Look A/W 2013 picks

If it's one thing New Look needs a gold star for, it's for the shoes. They always have such a cracking selection at really reasonable prices and it looks like next season will be no different. The black and gold sandals are calling my name - going to have to try and hunt them down when the time comes! I'm loving all the boot cut outs. They're perfect to jazz up a simple casual outfit.

Next season seems to be a never-ending stream of luxe fabrics, warm rich tones and ankle straps. By the looks of the weather lately it seems like we won't have too long to wait until we can wear these beauties! I wish they'd hurry up and pop up in the store!

What do you like best?

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