Happy New Year

Outfit: Black mesh spotted midi dress: Asos
Leopard print t-bar shoes: New Look
Pony skin black clutch: Primark
Silver ball bracelet: Tiffany & Co

Happy New Year my lovelies and I hope 2012 bring you much happiness.

How on earth has another year passed me by in a flash? Absolutely mental. Having looking back I suppose I have achieved quite a lot in the last year. I graduated from Uni with a 2.1 despite there being times I could hardly see the light at the end of the tunnel. I secured a two month paid contract as a journalist, after years of working for free it was hard to believe that someone thought I was good enough to be paid for my writing. I am finally working in the big city having dreamed of being a working londoner since I was a teenager. I have had some amazing times with my favourites and feel like this bunch of friends are in it for a lifetime, I have grown so much closer to certain individuals and would never be without them. I have loved meeting all my blogger friends in person and hope that we can meet many more times in 2012. My blog has become something that I am proud of and i'm in amazement that so many of you are interested in my rambles. Thank you all so much.

I usually spend New Years at a friends house however that particualar house seems to have outgrown us considering at the last one there must have been at least 80 people. Needless to say this year we have all chipped in a tenner to hire a hall and DJ to throw our own charity mascquade ball. Hopefully this year will be good un as I will once again be spending it with all my favourite people in the world.

This asos dress was a sale bargain, the one and only thing I brought in the Christmas sale. I was too much of a wimp to brave the shops on the high street so I just stuck to online shopping in the comfort of my own home. I could have treated myself to a lot more but my bank account was being mean. These shoes were forced upon me by my friend, aka The Shoe Queen, but for £7 I didn't put up much of a fight!

Don't forget to check out the blogger London lunch. Hope you can all make it!

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What's in my bag

I always love these sort of posts being the nosy girl I am. Amazing how much junk we can fit in one bag eh?

Bag: Topshop, a 2011 Christmas present from my Uncle.

Frankie Diary 2012:

One of my giveaway prizes that I won from the lovely Catherine.

Leopard print faux fur trim gloves c/o Clothing at Tesco:

These beauties were brought with the tesco voucher I was given a while ago. I had been after a pair of fur trimmed gloves for ages, I felt I needed to be more grown up as I was working in the city. Knitted ones with pompoms just weren't cutting it.

Cath Kidston-esque purse:

My nan treated me to this beauty when we took a trip to The Clothes Show after I had won tickets. My old Primark faithful had fallen apart so i was in desperate for a new one. I loved the print of it and it was only £2. What a bargain!

Soap and Glory Hand Food:

As someone who suffers from extremely dry hands as soon as winter hits, this product is a lifesaver. One of the best hand creams I have ever used!

Mulberry iPhone case + Iphone:

The Mulberry Bayswater phone case was a Christmas present in 2010 from my lovely boyfriend. It really is my pride and joy. Who needs children eh when you have a piece of Mulberry in your life?

Keys with a Mulberry keyring:

The white heart keyring was a Christmas present from some family friends who are complete Mulberry addicts like myself. A lovely little something to add to my collection, hopefully it will grow soon! I am still umming and ahhing about wether to have it on my keys as it also doubles up as bag charm. I am worried that it will scratch on my keys but also that it will fall off my bag so I lose it. What's a girl to do?

Marks and Spencer lip balm:
Another saviour in the winter for chapped lips!

The girl who played with fire book:

I picked up this trilogy from a bootsale for a bargain of about £4. Halfway through the second book now and I love it. Not really one for thrillers but these are drawing me in. It helps make my commute so much easier.

Pink compact mirror:

A little stocking filler present from the parents. Always need a compact mirror to make sure you look beautiful ;)

Wet wipes:

You never know when these might come in handy. I am prepared for all situations!

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Blogger meet up

Source

I was doing my weekly stalking of Eloise the other day on Twitter and we starting talking about how we needed to do our stalking face to face rather than just over social media. Claire and Kirstin decided that they needed to get in on the action too.

As if seeing our pretty faces isn't enough, we have proposed to meet for lunch on March 3rd for a good gossip, lots of cocktails and a mountain of food. Where else than TGI Fridays in Leciester Square? Keep in the loop with the hashtag #ldnlunch

Once I have got a good list of all the people who are interested I will send a mass email around with more details. Just leave a comment and your email address for me to get in touch.

Hope to see you all there!

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So this is Christmas

Outfit:

Black skater dress: Clothing at Tesco

Black faux fur stole: Marks and Spencer

Floral black thick tights: C/O Clothing at Tesco

Black smoking slippers: Next

Sliver necklace: Snoopers Paradise, Brighton

Red plastic watch: Toywatch

Black friendship bracelet: Links of London

Hope you have all had an amazing Christmas!

This was my Christmas day outfit, nothing too mind bowing. But it was comfortable and the tights helped to jazz it up a bit. I brought the tights with my voucher I was given a while ago so had been after a plain black dress to pair with them. Tesco came up trumps again!

My Christmas was amazing and then some. I spent it with all my favourite people and crazy family. My boyfriend ended up coming back to mine in a shopping trolley on Christmas Eve and a 20 minute walk home ended up taking 2 hours. Standard night out. Christmas day consisted of a almightly hangover, my Aunts dog making friends with my boyfriends leg, busting some shapes in the kitchen, having enough food to feed the 5000 and becoming the owner of some absolutely lovely Christmas presents. It is just such a shame that it's over now. After getting up at 5am for sale on Boxing day and working every day since I feel like I haven't slept. Looking forward to having a complete lazy day tomorrow.

I have so many posts planned so keep a look out :)

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I should be so lucky

Lady luck has been on my side these last few weeks. Although if things really do come in threes, it has come and gone. Still it was pretty amazing while it lasted! My three giveaway prizes were pretty snazzy!

1. A Christmas hamper from AThriftyMrs
Look at all these goodies! I was over the moon to win a hamper filled with lots of yummy food to be eaten. My dad has already nabbed the peanuts! It will be perfect to take round my Aunts on Christmas day for all the family to munch. I had a stand-off with the mother about who would actually keep the hamper. Safe to say I won of course. Thanks so much once again :)

2. A Frankie dairy from Catherine
How beautiful is this diary? It is almost too pretty to write in. I have been lusting over Frankie diarys on blogs so was ever so please to get my hands on one! It is just a gorgeous in real life, really is the Queen of diarys. Thanks Catherine :)

3. A charm braclet from Vikki
Vikki was very kind and sneaked a candy cane into the package too! This wonderful charm bracelet, that comes with a cute working clock, is made by Define Elephants Jewellery who make such lovely jewellery. I am sure I am going to be the envy of all my friends :) Thanks lovely!

I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and say how grateful I am to have passed the 250 readers mark. It means so much to me! I am off to my Aunts house for Christmas Day, with 16 of us for dinner and 18 for tea it will be organised chaos. I can't wait!

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Bloggers Christmas Cocktail Party

Have you got your champange ready? None of that bucks fizz nonsense, we like to be able to taste the alcohol ;) Don't forget to put a few mince pies in your handbag for those munches that always seem to appear on the way home! Welcome to the Bloggers Christmas Cocktail Party! With Becky, Tass ,Michelle, Sarah, Hannah, Lucy, Hannah, Lucy, Sarah, Jo and Amy on board it is sure to be one heck of a party! Of course with such stylish bloggers in attendence, the perfect outfit is needed. Gotta impress right? I think I may have found the perfect attire...

Designer

Dress - Temperley London £1,950, Shoes - Gucci £540, bag - Alexander McQueen £995, Earrings - Monica Vinader £330

Not exactly the most fashion forward of outfit but you can never go wrong with a LBD right? Especially one that is as stunning as this. This is my favourite outfit and I can imagine myself swishing down stairs covered in holly with the smell of Christmas pud in the air. Oh my how much do I need this bag in my life. Leopard print will forever hold my heart, isn't it gorgeous? As the dress is such a statement, blingy jewellery will spoil it. Hence why these understated earrings will look gorgeous.

High Street

Dress - Topshop £165, Shoes - Dune £63.50, Bag - Monsoon £32, Bracelet - House of Harlow £39, Earrings - Oasis £8

Who doesn't like a bit of sparkle at Christmas? The magpie in me gasped in delight when I spotted these shoes and handbag. If you can't sparkle like a disco ball at Christmas then when can you?! Topshop comes to the rescue yet again with this gorgeous lemon shift dress. Admittedly it is a touch on the expensive side but I can afford to splash out for the festive season.Such a delicate beautiful dress calls for some beautiful delicate arm candy. This House of Harlow bracelet fits the bill perfectly.

Which one is your favourite outfit?

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A Snapshot #6

001: One of my favourite charity buys. A 1958 copy of Treasure Island for only 50p. I have a thing for books, I buy them by the bucket load. When I move out i'd like a shelf in my living room of old books on display. I have so many Enid Blyton orginals from the 1960s that I used to collect at bootsales when I was a kid so this is one for my expanding collection.

002: As I mentioned before I went to see Kasabain on Thusday. They were absolute quality, so worth the money. Miles Kane supported and now would like to get my hands on some tickets just to see him. I wish I was as cool as Sergio Pizzarno.

003: It was Glossybox time again this week. What a bumper Christmas special, the best one yet! I adore the mascara, already tempted to order a replacement on payday. It does tend to go a little clumpy but just need to be careful. It gives my eyelashes so much volumne! Also very pleased with the nail varnish, can't wait to try it out this week.

004: The boys Christmas work shindig was on Friday in the heart of TOWIE. We stayed overnight in this posh 4* hotel, I don't think we have ever been anywhere this posh before. Our room was massive and had a real oldy-woldy feel. I felt extremely delicate on Saturday after little sleep and too many archers and lemonades. I ended up having to have two naps throughout the day, can't party like I used too!

005: Presents galore! My Christmas swap from Helen, blogger secret santa and a lovely surprise present of Sophie all came this week. I was very spoilt! Thank you all so much, cannot wait to see what awaits me on Christmas day! The friendships I have made through blogging have been one of my favourite things about the community. If anyone would like to become penpals (I will become better at writing letters in the new year I promise) just give me a tweet :)

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You're messing with the enemy

Outfit:
Black vest top: Primark
Black aztec cardigan: C/O Clothing at Tesco
Forest green chinos: New Look
Black smoking slippers: Next
Brown over the shoulder satchel: Primark
Black faux fur russian hat: H&M

I was very kindly given a gift voucher for attending the Clothing at Tesco press day. I was going to save it and splurge it on the beautiful lace dress but as what is always the case with money and vouchers, they burn a hole in my pocket. But I am very pleased with what I have chosen, will blog about the rest in a few posts time!

I was debating about getting another aztec cardigan, did I really need two? I came to the conclusion that yes I did! This one is more black and as a result I feel like it will go with a lot more things. For some reason I expected it to be much longer so was rather disappointed with the length but its grown on me. It is really cosy which is the key ingredient in knitwear for me. I like to feel like I am wrapped in a blanket. My boyfriend absolutely hates this hat, so much so he refuses to go out with me in it. Obviously this makes me wear it more. Going to love seeing his face tonight at the station ha!

Off to see Kasabian tonight which I am rather excited about. Should be quite good as I think we have managed to get standing tickets, Right in the thick of the action! Hopefully my feet won't get too brusied.

I have a very busy weekend ahead including the boys Christmas party tomorrow, staying overnight in the fancy hotel for the Christmas do and then a 21st Birthday party on the Saturday. I shall be all worn out by the time Christmas comes along!

Is everyone getting into the Christmas spirit? Not long now!

On a side note: Gosh my feet are the same colour as the floor. Stay off the fake tan Sophie!

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We found love in a hopeless place

Outfit:

Black embelished peter pan collar chiffon shift dress: Next via Choice

Multi coloured glittery bag: Primark

Multi coloured glitter nail varnish: OPI Rainbow Collection

Sparkly ball ring: C/O Stella & Dot

Diamond drop earrings: Dorothy Perkins

This bag is perhaps the most Essex thing that I own, completely verging on chavvy but I absolutely love it! I admit I brought it because it matched my nails, I tried to hunt down the shoes that Hannah has brought but failed. I am falling out of love with it rapidly though as it completely ruined my dress. Destroyed the chiffon completely and the dress is now fit for the bin. Going to hunt around in Choice to see if I can purchase another one because it really is the perfect party season dress. Next time I will take a smooth bag and maybe not drink as much wine...

I was very kindly given the ring at work by my boss who was sent it from a PR. Isn't it lovely? It seemed very apt for my first Christmas party of the season. Once again I stole the shoes off my friend, although I woke up this morning panicking that I had lost them because I could not find them anywhere in my room. Luckily I had left them in her boyfriend's car. They were one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn on a night out so am now on a mission to hunt them down on ebay.

Did you all have a lovely weekend?

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Nothing really matters when we're dancing

Outfit:
Black and white polka dot blouse with a peter pan collar: Primark
Pleather shorts: Topshop
Black oversize faux fur coat: C/O Motel Rocks
Polka dot spotty tights: Primark
Glittery toed black suede shoes: Kurt Gieger

This was suppose to go up quite a few weekends ago but only got hold of the photos as my email is pants!

How frigging amazing in my new coat very kindly gifted to me by Motel Rocks after I attended their blogger event. I cannot thank them enough, it really is such a gorgeous piece! I feel so warm and snuggly, perfect for the cold snap we seem to be having at night. I haven't taken it off since I got it. Anyone else think that the evenings are getting colder?

Like I said a few weeks ago, I had a much needed girls night out. It consisted of lots of dancing, far too many shots, lots of giggles and a classic chicken doner kebab. I need to do it all over again as soon as possible. Just as well then we have another night out planned for tonight! Sadly these shoes do not belong to me, I stole them off my friend for the photos. She really does have one of the most amazing shoe collections I have ever seen, puts me to shame! Luckily she is the same size as me...

Motel have very kindly offered my readers a generous exclusive discount code, see the button in the sidebar. I have my eye on this dress, how perfect is it for the festive season! Why not treat yourself to two for £50 as an early Christmas present too!

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Yuki Christmas Press Day

I was very kindly invited along to the Yuki press day again by the lovely Priya and once again had a great time pawing over all the pretty clothes. Looks like Yuki has done it again!

We were all very spolit with some gorgeous cupcakes, tasty smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, a nice catch up with Hannah and Lily as well as some very strong cocktails. Even a bit too strong for a cocktail lover like me ;)



Yuki really do have some gorgeous pieces, I always love their attention to detail. A quirky print or a pretty frill really do help give the clothing that extra oomph. I particularly loved the knitwear, one piece that really stood out for me was the jumper with the textured hearts on. I can think of a million outfits that this would be perfect for!

Once again I was drawn to the dress, something that frequently happens! These two just happen to be my favourite. I love the simplicity of the first dressed, perfect to be dressed up or down. Makes it great to wear to work on a Friday when you are going out for cocktails in the evening!

I just adore the colour of the second dress. Wine is fast beginning my to go colour whenever I go shopping. Gorgeous isn't it?


Thank you ever so much for the invite and the amazing goodie bag, love the cardigan!

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Soap and Glory Spray on Body Moisturising Mist - Review

As I have mentioned before, I am a huge fan of Soap and Glory and usually recieve a fair bit of it for Christmas and my birthday. I recieved the moisturising mist for my birthday back in January from a very dear old friend of mine. So old in fact we have been friend since we were both four. It really does show just how much body/skincare I have that I have only just gotten round to using a product I have had for 11 months. Anyway I digress.

Once again Soap and Glory packaging has come up trumps. I really do adore the retro feel and the pink and white make the product seem very girly. I like brands that seem to "talk" to you. Ted Baker is a prime example of this as you always find little sayings in the products, it helps make them feel more personal. In the particular product it states "Do your own flirty work". Well if you insist...

Onto the actual product. I always try to moisturise whenever I have a shower, particularly my legs. However this can be quite time consuming especially when you like thick products such as Palmers Coco Butter. Therefore this product is perfect for when you are in a rush and as the packaging suggests it really is a "mist". It is so easy to spray on your skin and dry almost instantly, very rarely do you have to rub it in. I don't think I will use this everyday as I still do prefer the luxury of a thick moisturiser on my skin. But once this has run out I think I will purchase it again as it is great for those mornings when you oversleep by half an hour.

Are you a Soap and Glory addict too?

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A snapshot #5

001: Countdown begins! How scary is it that December has arrived already? I am not usually that much of a fan of Christmas having worked in hospitality since I was 15 for five years and in retail for the past five years. The festive period just means work to me. But this will the first christmas in five years that I will be spending the whole day with the boy so I can forget about working at 6am on Boxing day.

002: London Town. Back working in the city again this week. Oh how glad I am to be back! I am really enjoying it, loving being back writing again! Liverpool Street is a right touch too as I am there within 30 mins, much better than the hour journey to my last job!

003: 20 inch pizza anyone? Nomnomnom. My friend is now the proud owner of a two bedroom flat with a mortgage and everything! Slightly scary but as what was expected we all piled round there and ordered lots of pizza (two 20 inchers for £18. SCORE!) and got very merry on lots of wine! Perfect night in! I must also mention my very beautiful friend Jay who I spent the evening with, she was moaning that I don't mention her on my blog. Love you!

004: I have had a very lucky week this week. I first of all won Clothes Show tickets from Orly. Admittedly I didn't realise it was in Birmingham but I have managed to persuade my nan to come along! Secondly I came third in Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Competition with this outfit! I was very lucky to win a pair of simple canvas shoes, thank you so much Ceri! Lets hope my lucky streak continues eh?

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Meet Joe Browns

Outfit:
Brown t-shirt: Primark
Mustard chinos: New Look
Cream cable knit grandad cardigan: C/O Joe Browns
Tan lace insert brogues: Primark

Tapestry satchal: Primark

See what I did with the title huh huh?!

I was recently contacted by Katie at Best British Bloggers and asked if I wanted to review an item by Joe Browns. Although I was not that familiar with the website I knew all about the catalogue as my dad gets one through the post. After much deliberation I finally decided on this cream cable knit cardigan as I had been after one for a very long time, just could not justify the prices in Topshop! I really was torn between this cardigan, this vintage style jumper and this alpine patterned cardigan. The knitwear really is amazing this season!

I placed my order on the 23rd November and had recieved it by the 25th November in the morning. Brilliant service, I was very impressed! Being the impatient girl that I am I hate having to wait too long for things I have ordered.

The cardigan ticks all the boxes. It is the perfect oversize fit, in fact the sleeves are a little too long for me but it is just how I like it. I recommend that you go a size smaller than usual if you don't like things too baggy. It is so warm and cosy, I didn't have to even wear a coat when I went out. Impressive right? Sometimes woolly things can irritate my skin but this is so soft, I haven't took it off since I recieved it!

I am sure you agree that it really is the details that make an item of clothing. I love the brown old fashioned buttons and the big pockets that help to keep my hands warm. Anyone else get annoyed when things don't have pockets?

Thanks once again to Katie and Joe Browns :)

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A Snapshot #4

001: First attempt at a ring manicure this week. I really like it although I have lost count of how many people asked my why I had one glittery finger. I just explained it was a Kelly Rowland thing but I still don't think Essex is ready for this jelly.

002. Recieved a second glossybox this month free of charge after I attended the Motel Rocks event. I was so pleased to receive the bath salts and the nail wraps. I actually perfered this one to the one I paid for!

003. Finally managed to get a huge chunk of my Christmas shopping done. I only have about 3-4 left to get so am feeling pretty good about it. Hopefully I will get it completed by the middle of December.

004. Girls night out! Worryingly when I got to the local club I was informed I didn't need to show my ID because "he knows my face as I am always there". I am not sure if that is a good thing! I suffered today at work but it was worth it, had lots of fun dancing!

005. Team Edward! Finally went to see the new Twilight film simply so I could stare at Robert Pattinson for a few hours. It was pretty cringe-worthy at times but I think it was pretty true to the book which is always good. Anyone else thinks that Edward just constantly looks in pain?

006. Perfect hangover food. I popped out for dinner after work with a few collegues which was very welcomed considering I seemed to have a second wave of a hangover by 3pm. Nothing beats a bit of stodge when you feel like you are dying.

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