Let's Get Personal!

I seem to be on a roll with posts about gift ideas lately. And like the savvy blogger I am, I'm tying it all in neatly with... erm, nothing. It's not Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day or even bloody Pancake Day. But it's bound to be somebody's birthday at some point soon, right?!

 

Today's offerings come from I Just Love It, a website which specialises in personalised gifts. From engravings on jewellery to monogrammed beach towels, I think we all love to receive a gift that's personal to us. I know I do! I Just Love It is packed full of ideas - tableware, stationery, wall art, even chocolates and champagne - all of which can be tailor made to mean that extra something special to the recipient. Very kindly, they offered to send me a couple of examples of the type of gifts they offer. And that's when I came over all romantic.

For my first gift, I chose a personalised heart map. I think these look so cute, and the idea behind them is really lovely. Pick an address that means something to you, and they will supply you with a detailed map of the surrounding area, all beautifully presented within a frame of your choice. I would have liked to pick the spot where my husband proposed to me - told you I was feeling romantic - but as that happened to be in Belgium I had to go for something else, as the choice of address was limited to within the UK. So I picked the location of the first home we've owned together, and it looks really lovely hanging on the wall.

For my second gift, I decided to get a little present for Mike. I've seen a few monogrammed mugs around recently and I really like them - in fact, I want one for myself! I Just Love It's monogrammed mugs are good quality and come in four different colour options (all against a white background). You can also add a short message on the back. I chose instructions as to how Mike likes his tea - just in case either of us forgets!

I'm really impressed with the quality of both items, and would definitely check out I Just Love It again should I be on the lookout for more personalised gifts in the future.

Are you a fan of personalised gifts? And would you go for either of these?

Kate x

This post features PR samples which were kindly gifted to my by I Just Love It. I was not financially compensated for the post and all opinions, as always, are my own.

Say it with Flowers

We may be living in an age of email, texts and social media, but I still believe there's something pretty special about sending a bunch of flowers or a greeting card to let someone know you're thinking of them. In fact, scrap that - I think the fact that it's slightly quaint these days makes it even more special!

When I heard about Flowercard, I was intrigued. As the name suggests, it combines mini bouquets with a cute greeting card, so you can send someone some beautiful blooms together with a heartfelt message, straight through the post. I thought this was a lovely idea, and very kindly, they offered to send me one so I could check the service out for myself. This is what I received. Pretty, no?

It arrived with the regular post in an attractive blue box, and certainly made me smile when I opened it up. It was ever so slightly battered from its journey, but once I had given it a little bit of TLC, it looked really lovely. Flowercard provide a few tips on how to look after your gift, and include a little pipette so that you can water your flowers and prolong their life for as long as possible, which I thought was a nice touch.

The card I went for is called Peach Frills, but there's loads to choose from. If you fancy having a browse, you can do so here.

As for the message, I opted to send myself three motivational little words, but you can of course pick anything you like (up to 100 characters), whether that's "congratulations", "get well soon", "I love you" or just "thinking of you".

A little bit more special than just a card, but without any need for the recipient to arrange a huge bunch of flowers, Flowercards are a very cute way to show someone you care!

What do you think? Would you send a Flowercard, and would you like to receive one?

Kate x

*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.

The Wrap Midi

Well hello there! 

It feels like such a long time since I did a proper outfit post. I've wanted to share this look with you for a while, but it's been hard to find the time. Outfit posts are my favourite to do, but they also take the most preparation! As it is, I've had to settle for my back garden as a backdrop again, which isn't the most exciting, but needs must. Anyway, it's all about the clothes, right? And I really do love this look!

Over the past few months, I've had a few events to go to, and I was determined not to wear jeans to every single one of them! I've seen a few of these wrap midi skirts around recently, and fell in love with this one when I spotted it in Topshop. It doesn't seem to be available any more, but I've linked to a couple of similar options.

This is the sort of skirt I would have snapped up back in the days when I worked in an office and needed to look smart Monday to Friday. With a crisp white shirt and some nude courts, it would be the perfect corporate attire. I love the large eyelet detail and the asymmetrical hem created by the wrap element - it adds just enough interest, while still being a chic and very simple piece. The pockets are also a nice touch. 

These days I work from home 99% of the time, but styled up slightly differently, this skirt formed the basis of the perfect outfit to wear to a blogging event. I had a fairly statement jacket in mind, so this simple top from Topshop was perfect. It's quite cropped, so ideally you want to pair it with a.) something high-waisted, or b.) Kendall Jenner's abs. Sadly, Kendall Jenner's abs are already taken (by Kendall), but as luck would have it, the skirt is pretty high-waisted!

On my feet, I opted for these cute little wedges from River Island. They've proved to be a very worthwhile purchase. They look great with so many different things, are comfortable to walk in - vital when you're roaming around central London all day - and I'm kind of obsessed with the lace-up detail at the back!

You might remember the jacket from this wishlist post. I loved it so much I just had to buy it! It's not the sort of thing you can just throw on with everything - not so much because of the colour, but because it's also very cropped. You either need something else cropped underneath it or else something reasonably oversized, so that the proportions don't look off. That said, I do really enjoy wearing it when I can, and I'm also seriously tempted by the baby pink version. How cute?!

 

 

Skirt - Topshop (similar, or check out the mini version, or M&S's fancy leather one!), Top - Topshop, Jacket - Zara, Shoes, Sunglasses- River Island, Watch - Jord 

I really enjoyed wearing this outfit on my last London trip. It was comfortable and practical, yet made a very welcome change from my usual uniform of "jeans and some sort of top"!

Has the wrap midi found its way into your wardrobe yet? If so, how do you wear yours?

Kate x

Goldentini by Temple Spa

Having really loved my Temple Spa facial during my trip to North Yorkshire recently, I didn't hesitate to say yes when I was offered the opportunity to review one of their brand new products. Goldentini is described as a bronzing body treatment oil, offering omega rich moisturisation and a lustrous sheen. It sounded perfect for summer!

It's a beautiful thing to look at, packaged in a clear tube (not glass, but good quality plastic) with silver accents. There is a pump applicator, and when you dispense the product, it really does look like liquid gold. It also smells amazing. The scent contains a "beautiful aromatic cocktail" of vetiver, mimosa, bitter orange, honey, green florals, sandalwood, oak moss and sweet musks. Imagine a sexy woman in a flowing dress, hair cascading down her shoulders, sunlight glinting on her skin, walking barefoot through a summer meadow. That's what this smells like.

It feels very light. As you rub it in, it just feels like a lovely, nourishing body oil. It absorbs quickly, leaving behind a subtle sheen that gives you a pretty glow when you catch the light. (Not something I was able to capture on camera very well - though you might be able to spot a tiny bit of shimmer on my hand! This product really does come into its own when you are moving about.) The photo reflecting agents it contains have golden brown metallic pigments, so it should bronze the skin a little bit too. I can kinda sorta see this if I really move my arm in and out of the light and study it hard. For me, this on its own wouldn't be enough, but it would be fantastic to enhance an existing tan, or for those who aren't bothered and just want a bit of a subtle glow. That fabulous scent is very subtle too, but it does linger, so anyone you want to get up close and personal with would get the benefit of it, which is rather nice!

The phrase that comes to mind when describing this type of product is "gilding the lily". (Quite literally, in this case - it really does look like you are spreading liquid gold all over your skin!) You don't need a shimmering body oil. That said, when I stretch both my arms out in front of me, the one with a layer of Goldentini on it looks undeniably prettier than the other one. Plus, the beautiful scent and nourishing ingredients it contains - including Vitamin E and Sunflower Seed Oil - mean there is a little bit more to this particular product than just a nice sheen for the skin. In short, if you're going to buy one, this would be a great choice!

Goldentini retails at £25 for 50 ml and is available at Temple Spa.

What are your thoughts on shimmering body oils?

Kate x

PR Sample. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Summer Holiday Fashion Wishlist

Finally we are having some lovely warm, sunny weather in the UK, and with June getting underway I can't help but start thinking about summer holidays. I don't currently have one planned, sadly, but that doesn't mean I can't dream about golden beaches, warm, cocktail fuelled evenings and my perfect holiday wardrobe, now does it?!

There's something about a beach holiday that makes me gravitate towards interesting prints and anything floaty, girly and fun/ As always, the shops have plenty of droolworthy offerings in stock, so I thought I would share a few things I'd love to pack in my suitcase... if I needed to pack one, that is! (Sob).

1. Off The Shoulder Structured Bardot Top, Topshop 

Just to let you into a little secret, I've already bought this! The picture really doesn't do it justice. It's so feminine and pretty, and the perfect peachy pink colour that looks so good with a tan. I've been obsessed with all the off the shoulder styles I've seen around lately, so this has gone some way to satisfying my cravings. I wore it out to dinner at the weekend with jeans and wedge heels and felt great in it, though I'm sure it would also look gorgeous with skirts.

2. White Lace Maxi Kaftan, River Island 

I noticed last year that River Island was producing some really beautiful beach cover ups, and here they go again! I absolutely love the full length of this one, not to mention how stunning it looks with a white bikini underneath. So chic! I also think it would work really well with the black swimsuit I have my eye on (see number 6!)

3.Mirror Cat Eye Sunglasses in Marble Frame, Quay Australia

The perfect finishing touch to the outfit in number 2, I've been coveting some shades like this for a while now. Quay Australia is all over social media right now, and their striking, fashion-forward styles totally belie the reasonable price tags. Mirrored lenses, cat eye shape, marble frames AND affordable? Gimme!

4. Floral Tea Dress, Topshop

This dress is perfect. The delicate print, the baby pink base, the effortless shape. I'd wear this for roaming around the town, sightseeing or just chilling at a cafe by the beach, watching the world go by.

5. Tote Bag, Zara

I love a classic tan leather tote on holiday. Not the most obvious choice of beach bag, perhaps, but it will serve that purpose as well as looking a bit smarter while you're out and about. Nice and roomy, and easy to sling over your shoulder, tote bags also make great carry-on luggage on the plane, plus tan goes with everything!

6. Lace Deep V Swimsuit, Seafolly 

Seafolly is one of my favourite swimwear brands. They're a little pricey, but their pieces are great quality and beautifully designed. I nearly always go for bikinis, but there's something really sophisticated and subtly sexy about this low cut black swimsuit.

7. Floral Maxi Dress, Topshop

I've had to link to a different print of this dress as the one in the photo seems to have disappeared from Topshop's website before I could even finish the post! Both are lovely, however, and by far my favourite feature is the dreamy ruffled shoulder detail. The perfect dress for strolling along the beach.

8.  Rose Gold Sandals, Dune

I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time I've put these sandals in a wishlist post, which is probably a sign that I need to buy them, right?! Such a classic style, and they're rose gold. Enough said!

9. Off The Shoulder Blouse, Shein

This is such a pretty blouse. I'm completely in love with the bow, and as I mentioned before, anything off the shoulder is a winner with me at the moment. I love the idea of this with white jeans and heels for a summer evening. Ideal for showing off tanned shoulders!

Speaking of Shein, they're having a pretty hefty sale at the moment. Considering their huge range of stylish stock and already low prices, it's definitely worth having a look. I've had a couple of pieces from them in the past and been impressed, so if you fancy nabbing a bargain then check them out here. You'll want to be quick though as the sale ends on Monday 13th June.

 

Are you going on holiday this summer? And what summer fashions are you currently coveting?

Kate x

PR collaboration with Shein. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Sneak Peek at Debenhams Autumn/Winter 2016 - Fashion and Home

For anyone with a weakness for pretty clothes, getting to lay eyes on next season's styles before they hit the shops is a dream come true, so you can imagine how excited I felt when I made my way down to London for the Debenhams AW 16 Fashion and Home press show the other week.

Held in the cavernous basement of Victoria House in Central London, the event was a visual delight. There were racks upon racks of beautiful clothes, impeccably laid out new season accessories and gorgeous homeware displays. And then there was the stunning centrepiece. It reminded me of fashion's answer to the Terracotta Army - dozens of mannequins standing in rows, each one modelling a different outfit. It made a huge impact as you entered the space, and I could honestly have spent all afternoon wandering up and down the rows, admiring each ensemble in all its delicious detail.

As you might imagine, I took more photos than I know what to do with, so I've tried to narrow it down, selecting my favourite looks from the show as well as one or two trends that look like they're going to be big news next season. I know it feels as though summer hasn't even got off the ground yet, but it doesn't hurt to get ahead of the game, right?!

Let's start with fashion, and Star by Julien Macdonald. This was the first label I came across as I entered the event. For me, the standout piece (possibly out of everything in the room) was this incredible jumpsuit.

It actually kills me that I'm probably too short to pull this off, but I would give it a go in some towering heels! I adore the sophistication of this - the silky wide leg trousers and the simple choker it's styled with. The cut out detailing is also beautiful and I noticed that this was a recurring theme - not just with Julien Macdonald but with other designers as well.

I also loved this gorgeous combination of ruffles with metallic leather.

I'm a big fan of ruffles, so I was happy to note that they definitely seem to be sticking around for autumn/winter! Other pieces in the Star by Julien Macdonald collection included dark florals, leopard print, military coats and lace.

My favourite piece from RJR John Rocha was this beautiful shirt dress. I also loved the soft pink and grey colour palette, delicate floral prints and faux fur.

Preen/Edition won me over with their bold, directional style. There's something very eighties about this dress, both in the strong, geometric print and in the shape. In theory this is a piece I wouldn't be drawn to. In practice, I love it!

Ruffles again! This blouse would look great in an office environment, but you could also dress it up for an evening out with a bit of sparkle.

I counted quite a few leopard print coats, so it's clear they're going to be must-have items this autumn! This one looked the most interesting and updated though, with the contrasting cuffs.

Another piece that kept popping up all over the place was the embroidered bomber jacket. This particular example was by Todd Lynn/Edition. (Sidenote - yet more gorgeous ruffled detail on the Nine by Savannah Miller dress next to it!)

In fact, embroidery in general was pretty much everywhere - on jackets, dresses, blouses, denim, you name it - especially with an oriental twist. This stunning dress was by Butterfly by Matthew Williamson.

Oh, and don't forget the feathers, or the sequins!

I decided that I would feel very much at home popping out for coffee/running errands/just about anything in this casual ensemble from Nine by Savannah Miller. How cosy and absolutely gorgeous is that faux-fur trimmed jacket?!

And this stunning embroidered Debut dress makes me wish I had a winter wedding to go to! The shape of it is just so classic and beautiful.

More cut out details from Debut.

 

And sequins from No. 1 Jenny Packham.

As well as the clothes, there were some gorgeous shoes and bags to drool over. I fell in love with these nude toned beauties from Faith.

And the burgundy.

And the black and gold!

Which trainer is your favourite? I can't choose, so I'll just have to take the lot!

Clearly, embroidery is not just for clothing, judging by this gorgeous Butterfly by Matthew Williamson bag. There is something very Gucci-esque about this!

Finally, I managed to drag myself away from the fashion to take a little look at homeware, and I found plenty to drool over there as well. Once again, Star by Julien Macdonald was one of my favourites, with this unashamedly decadent display.

I definitely need some gold-adorned glassware in my life!

Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson offered a far more arts and crafts inspired aesthetic. A very different, ethnic kind of vibe, but equally beautiful.

And I don't think there's a blogger in the world who wouldn't consider this Cosmopolitan offering #officegoals. I'll take the lot, thanks!

Well, I've shown you all my favourites from the show. There was so much more, but this post is far too long already, so I'm going to sign off now! I know we haven't had summer yet, but is there anything here that gets you excited for autumn/winter? Let me know!

Kate x

P.S. Just in case you didn't already know, I'm on Snapchat! I share little snippets of day to day life, mini hauls and reviews and anything interesting I might get up to, such as events like this. If you fancy adding me, my user name is @katelouiseblogs. Everyone is welcome!