OOTD: #GeorgeousRacewear

Outfit:
Black cut out neck dress: c/o George At Asda
Black duster coat: Topshop (similar)
Nude embellished block heeled sandals: c/o George At Asda
Slogan print cross body bag: c/o George At Asda

George at Asda got in touch to see if I wanted create an outfit fit for the races from their range of dresses. This year is actually the first time in about five years that I've not got a day out at the races planned. Usually I pop along to either Newmarket or Ascot. I absolutely love the whole atmosphere of horse racing, the chance to buy a fancy new dress and of course the pimms drinking!

I've never think you can go wrong with a LBD and I was swayed by the pretty cut outs. It helps to make it a little more interesting which is always a marvellous thing! I like to inject a little fun into my outfit so went for this cool slogan bag to stop things from looking stuffy. Slogan bags seem to be all the range recently and this one was such a bargain at £8. At some races you won't be allowed certain areas of the racecourse if you have your shoulders on show so I've throw on a smart duster jacket to help bring the outfit together. Finally I always think heels are a must at the races - keep a pair of flip flops in your bag for the end of the day. These nude sandals are the perfect height for being on your feet the whole day. Trust me it can be a very long day! Although I will definitely pop some fake tan on pronto - those milk bottles are offending my eyes. 6 long months without any sun!

So what do you think of my #GeorgeousRacewear? Have you got any days at the races planned?

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A UK bucket list

Ah the green and pleasant land. I hold my hands up and say I take living in the UK for granted. When I'm looking for trips away, it's the last place I look. But when I actually sit and think about it, the UK might be rainy but it's pretty stunning! The four countries are blessed with incredible history, greenery and landmarks. It's about time I started exploring properly!

1. Cheddar Gorge
The limestone gorge in Somerset reminds me of a a landscape from Middle Earth in Lord Of The Rings! I feel so lucky to have such stunning landscapes right on my doorstep in the UK. It's almost 400ft deep and a staggering three miles long - it started forming a mind blowing million years ago during the last Ice Age. Apart from Glastonbury, Somerset isn't a part of the world I'm too familiar with and I'd love to take a camping trip nearby. It really is nature at it's finest!

2. Giant's Causeway
I love a good folk tale and this one has to be one of my favourites. According to the legend, Irish giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill was challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant Benandonner. Fionn accepted and built a causeway across the north channel so they could meet. Fionn panics when he realises Benandonner's size and gets his wife to disguise him as a baby in a cradle. When Benandonner sees the size of the 'baby' he reckons his father must be a giant among giants. So he flees back to Scotland, destroying the causeway on his way to his home. My boyfriend's family doesn't live too far away in Ireland so I'm hoping we can squeeze in a trip if we go over to visit next year.

3. Arthur's Seat
I've only spent the day in Edinburgh and only managed to see the castle. I'd love to go back and climb the highest peak in the city's Holyrood Park. The views from the dormant volcano look absolutely incredible. It's also home to 2000 year old preserved fort and a 15th century medieval chapel. But if I'm honest I just really want to soak up that view.

4. Stonehenge
I've seen this bizarre arrangement of rocks a few times from the car but I've never gotten up close and personal before. No one really knows why these rocks were displayed in such a way but there are many theories out there. But many believe that it is a prehistoric temple aligned with the movements of the sun. One of things I'm most proud of as a Brit is our vast incredible history over our four countries - Stonehenge is a prime example of this.

5. Lake District
The Lake District is one place I've heard many people go ga-ga over. The sheer beauty of the national park has people going gooey-eyed. There are many market towns within the region and it seems like such a beautiful part of the United Kingdom. I'd love to pop on a pair of walking boots, grab a map and just explore until my hearts content, breathing in the fresh air. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the beauty of nature to feel like everything will be alright.

6. Isle of Skye
Seals. Seals are the sole reason why I'm so desperate to visit the Isle of Skye. I wouldn't mind seeing the dolphins either. Or the dinosaur fossils. At 50 miles long, it's the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. The isle is full of castles, quaint villages and lots of walking trails. The ultimate outdoor holiday eh?

7. Highlands
There seems to be a running theme of Scotland in this list. Full of gorgeous stretches of coastlines, impressive mountains, overwhelming glens and stunning islands, it's got something for everyone. I've actually got a friend who moved up to a little village so really I have no excuse not to visit. My boyfriend went earlier in the year and the pictures looked amazing. Although he didn't manage to find the Loch Ness monster. Can't win them all!

8. Norfolk Broads
For years I've been meaning to hire a canal boat and travel down the broads stopping at the quaint pubs along the way for a cider and roast dinner. The rivers and lakes run through the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. It's an area of the country that's not too far from my house so it's a crime I haven't been sooner.

What's on your UK bucket list? It seems like I need to plan a road trip around Scotland!

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Beauty - In my travel wash bag

With only two months until my summer holiday to Barcelona - can I get hell yeah? - I started thinking about what to pack in my holiday wash bag. A girl can never be too prepared. I love the sun but it can play havoc on your body. It leaves mine feeling dry and dehydrated which is never a good look. These are some products that should be in your arsenal when you jet of in search of some sun!

Aussie Miracle Recharge Moisture Lightweight Conditioning Spray
Thanks to my love of long locks, it means I have to deal with a hell of a lot of knots. I tend not to use conditioner too often after I shampoo because it makes my hair greasy. So this is the perfect de-tangle remedy. Your hair can get extremely dry after a day in the sun and needs to be kept in good condition.  This wonder product brings back the moisture it craves and helps to make it easier to handle. After a day spent in the sea or swimming pool, your hair will need a lot of TLC!

Delph Sun Lotion Factor 30 c/o
I never go lower than factor 30 on a sun cream. The older I'm getting, the more I'm becoming less of a sun worshipper. Not only is there the risk of skin cancer but also the risk of premature aging. Shudder! I like my sun cream to be non-greasy and thick so that I feel like it's doing it's job. This one fits the ticket perfectly. The great thing about the lotion is it's moisturising too - the sun can be a nightmare drying out your skin!

Delph After Sun Gel c/o
When I'm away I'm so conscious of my tan fading that I become a slave to after sun! I much prefer a gel based after sun as it feels much more cooler and refreshing on my skin - especially if I'm a little sunburnt. Ouch! The sun gel sinks into the skin immediately and leaves no greasy residue. You can almost get dressed straight away after application. There's nothing worse than slipping around in your dress and your skin feeling a bit sticky.

Soap and Glory Super Tonic Fragrance Orangeasm
When I'm on holiday I like a light and fruity scent - nothing too overpowering and heavy. I much prefer a body spray rather than an actual perfume. This zesty orange scented spray is perfect. It's not too long lasting but the bottles small enough to pop in your beach bag to keep topping up throughout the day.

V05 Give Me Texture Rough & Sexy Salt Spray c/o
I like to keep my hair as low-matienance as possible when I'm abroad in a hot country. I don't want to spend hours pimping and preening when there are cocktails to be drunk! This is why I love salt sprays. I simply rough dry my hair with a towel, liberally spray a salt spray all over and pop up in a topknot until it dries. Voila! I'm left with beachy waves.

Simple Kind To Skin+ Moisture Boost Hydro Mist c/o
In any extreme weather, my skin struggles to cope. This fine mist is great to help give dehydrated skin a much needed boost. It absorbs almost immediately and can also be worn over make up. It's great to keep in your beach bag for when your face needs a little helping hand throughout the day.

Nivea Firming Body Oil
This is my holy grail. I'm on around my 6/7th bottle since the beginning of the year. I use it religiously everyday in my legs and it helps to keep them in tip top shape. It's helped to severely reduce my blemishes and helps to keep shaving rashes and dryness at bay. There's no way I'm leaving it at home!

Yes To Coconut Dry Skin Ultra Light Body Lotion Spray c/o
For the rest of my body I need a lightweight body lotion that absorbs quickly yet keeps my body hydrated. I don't my tan to peel if I can help it! Coconut is my favourite scent and this smells gorgeous. The spray nozzles gives out just the right amount of product and is simple to use when you're in a rush to get down to that dinner buffet!

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Cath Kidston A/W 15

I'm a massive fan of Cath Kidston. In fact, I've been stockpiling their homeware products ready for when I move out. So as you can expect, I was very excited to see a invite pop up in my inbox to have a little look around at their A/W preview. As you can tell, it was full of lots of beautiful things!

Cath Kidston have delved into their archives and have reworked some classic prints. They came up with a Riot of Print and Colour. The results are gorgeous rose prints, burgundy polka dots, berry coloured birds, a red ditsy floral print and pretty teal florals amongst many others. The rose printed midi skirt above is what dreams are made of! Just look at all the stunning colours. I also had a soft spot for the skater shoes below - I'll be keeping my eye out for them in the coming months.

Their homeware didn't disappoint either. The press day was full of printed crockery, glassware and novelty items. Every year they seem to offer something similar yet completely different which is why they keep bringing their customers back. There's always a new collection of print that you need to collect. The cute little sausage dog below caught my eye and I did consider sneaking him in my bag and running out! But alas my conscious got the better of me.

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Review: The Wolesley Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea at The Wolesley had been on my list for ages. I'd heard such good things about and after visiting for breakfast last year, it only upped my desire to visit for cake. I love the old-fashioned vibe of the place - it feels like you've gone back in time. My mum is my afternoon the partner in crime - we can sniff it out from a mile away. Naturally I treated her to Afternoon Tea for Mother's Day. Let's gloss over the fact I was a few months late. We got there in the end!

Never one to turn down a glass of champers, we opted for the champagne afternoon tea at £33. It's always seems a crime not to opt for bubbles if it's on offer. Included in the price were a selection of traditional sandwiches. Nothing too fancy but delicious all the same - sometimes the more traditional sarnies are the best. The smoked salmon was absolutely delicious. On the second layer was a selection of cakes and pastries consisting of a zesty lemon meringue, a rich chocolate cake, a juicy strawberry tart, marzipan battenberg and an incredible lemon cheesecake. Finally we each scoffed two fruit scones each with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam. It's safe to say we waddled out!

I really couldn't fault the service. We were made to feel very welcome and wasn't rushed through our cakes at all - as I found to be the case at The Ritz. We were left alone to enjoy it but someone soon popped up to offer to fill up our plates when we finished. We obviously opted for a second tray of sandwiches AND cakes. I liked the fact they topped up our tea with hot water when it started to get cold. I really can't recommend The Wolsely enough, it's such a pretty venue, the service is outstanding and it's reasonably priced. Definately one of favourite afternoon teas in London! 

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OOTD: Floral culottes

Outfit:

Blue floral culottes: c/o New Look
White chiffon cami: Topshop
Silver leather lace ups: ASOS

My love for midi skirts seems to have been overtaken by a lot for culottes. I was very kindly given a gift card in my goodie bag from the New Look press day and knew immediately what I was going to spend it on. I'd spotted these culottes a few weeks earlier and desperately needed an excuse to make them mine. Thanks New Look for giving me the perfect excuse!

I wore this casual outfit during a day out in London with my mum for afternoon tea at The Wolesley. More on that later on in the week! The outfit was the perfect combination for the hot weather we were blessed with and the stuffiness of the tube. I'd forgotten the hell that was rush hour on the underground. They certainly helped to save my bacon a few times when I was nearly taken out by a gust of wind. Londoners weren't accidentally treated to a Marilyn moment!

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#Closetrefresh

Closet is a brand that I always make sure I make a beeline for if I'm ever browsing on ASOS or Dorothy Perkins - especially the dresses. They always have such a great selection of classy, midi dresses at such affordable price points. I like to shop - a lot - so I can't spend too much money on one thing. Recently they've just been relaunched and I was kindly invited down to the launch party to see what they had on offer. The newly rebranded Closet London unveiled their new story. I'm loving all the pretty blue shades - they just scream a trip to a seaside right? I'm a sucker for a good print. I can just imagine them pair with a pair of nude sandals and a denim jacket thrown on your shoulders. The floral dress is calling my name. Very loudly!

Every 6-8 weeks the brand is going to be unveiling a new story - exciting! All those pretty clothes to look forward too!

Have you ever shopped from Closet London? Which is your favourite dress?

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OOTD: Floral Kimono

Outfit:

V&A print floral kimono: Oasis
White asymmetrical chiffon tunic: ASOS (similar)
Black ripped skinny jeans: (Similar)
Silver leather lace ups: ASOS

As soon as I saw the images for the new V&A collection at Oasis I knew I had to own at least one piece. I was umming and ahhing for a while, flitting back and forth between this kimono and these culottes. I thought I would get more wear out of the kimono so opted for this first. I'm frantically selling on eBay now so I can get my hands on the culottes. And possibly the other kimono. Maybe. I got these snazzy shoes and tunic thanks to a cheeky 20% discount code that ASOS had on offer. Those guys are so good to me over there! But it's about time I give my bank account a bit of a break.

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13 things no one ever told you about saving for your first house

1. When you decide to treat yourself on payday, shoes are out of the equation. Instead you start to get excited about tea towels. It's a downward spiral from now on. You don't even know who you are any more.

2. Putting away a huge chunk of your savings each month breaks your heart just a little bit each time. Despite you knowing it's for a good reason.

3. When you look at your current savings, you wonder if it's acceptable to jack this house lark in and go travelling around the world instead. Those beaches in Thailand are calling your name.

4. You think it's perfectly acceptable to spend £20 on two copper letters because they look nice. Let's face it, buying cutlery is boring and you can always use plastic ones.

5. You can spend hours looking on Rightmove at houses way out of your budget. We all have to aim for something right? That multi million house might be yours one day.

6. You dream of having a walk in wardrobe but your boyfriend is adamant that the spare room is going to be a games room. The house may be two years away but it doesn't stop you getting annoyed. There's not going to be enough room for his clothes in your wardrobe.

7. The final amount needed for a house deposit makes you feel a bit sick and want to bury your head in the sand. Since when did you become this grown up?

8. Thanks to Rightmove you know the average house price all over the country. And the world. A 4 bedroom, two bathroom house in Texas for only £60,000? I'll have that please.

9.  Despite knowing that it's about time you took the plunge to buy a house, you still mourn the lack of holidays you can have. You could have a city break each month for the amount you're saving. You would also end up living in a cardboard box.

10. You seem to spend all your time blaming things on the house savings. Want to come out at the weekend? Nope got a house to save for. What to have a bite to eat? Nope got a house to save for. You begin to bore yourself.

11. Conversations with friends revolve around saving for a house, mortgages and homeware shops. You're all in the same rocky boat. Clinging on to the life jacket.

12. Mortgage rates make you want to gauge your eyes out. With a blunt needle.

13. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is hard. But deep down you know that house will be one of the proudest achievements of your life.

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Beauty: Products to help keep your face under control

The constant change in seasons is hard on your skin. One minute it's bright sunshine and the second it's pouring with rain and you're having to bring your scarf out of storage. I don't know about you but my skin isn't too sure how to react and gets in a right old state. Luckily I've got a few wonder products in my arsenal to help keep my face under control.

Super Facialist By Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Intense Moisture Mask: I'm a massive fan of this beauty brand. I think it's such good value for money and it does exactly what it promises on the tin. I usually pop it on a few times a week after I've had a shower. It's brilliant to put on after a clay mask. As someone who commutes into London fairly often and spends a lot of time with air con, my skin takes a battering. But this product makes me skin feel plumper and the dryness is soon blasted away. It helps to keep dullness at bay and smells absolutely gorgeous. It's quite a strong scent so it's not for the faint hearted. You have to like rose! 

Super Facialist By Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask: I'm a massive advocate of clay masks and this one is up there as one of my favourites. I soon notice the frequent breakouts if I'm lax on applying this for a few weeks. It's great for sensitive skin and my face never feels tight after use. The mask is great for banishing those pesky blackheads - after just a few weeks they start to vanish. It's quite a thin consistency so I do like to slaver it on but this helps to make it easier to wash off. 

Origins Drink Up Overnight Intensive Mask: This is my wonder product. I cannot sing it's praises enough! You need the tinniest amount to help make a difference. My skin soaks this up like a good 'un. I use it at night after I've double cleansed and let it soak in before getting into bed. In the morning my skin is fresh-looking, smooth and hydrated. I tend to use it between 2-4 times a week depending on the dreaded weather! 

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Facial Oil c/o I'd always been a bit reluctant to put oil on my face but after reading lots of reviews praising it, I finally took the plunge. I'm extremely glad I did! I pop this hydrating oil on between cleansing and moisturising before I go to bed. It only need 2-3 drops to take effect. The next morning my skin feels refreshed and ready to take on the world. Keep in mind it can get a little greasy if you opt for too much!

Maskeraide Weather Warrior Sheet Mask c/o I was intrigued when I was sent this at work and couldn't wait to try it out. No wonder they've gotten such high praise! A sheet mask comes from South Korea and are one of the next big things in beauty - although I am a little late to the party. You leave them on for 20 minutes and it's like having a cheeky spa treatment at home. It has an almost instant effect after use. My skin has never looked to perky and bright! Definately a good shout to use before you're heading on a night out and need some TLC.

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