Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Currently Loving: Autumnal Florals

Currently Loving: Autumnal Florals

This post contains affiliate links, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

It's no secret that I love a floral print - long term readers of this blog will no doubt have seen me wearing them time and again over the years. Often seen as more of a spring or summer thing, I have always been more than happy to wear florals all year round, so I'm thrilled that this autumn/winter season, autumnal florals are officially a Trend.

I've seen a lot of my favourite youtubers and bloggers talking about the craze for Dark Florals that's taking this season by storm, and I have been quite literally drooling at all the stunning prints that fall into that category that are currently gracing the high street. There are, however, plenty of "Light Florals" with a decidedly autumnal vibe too - including this fabulous H&M dress which I've been loving as a transitional piece this past few weeks.

Autumn Winter 19/20 Trends: Dark Florals

Autumn Winter 19/20 Trends: Autumnal Florals

A ridiculously affordable £17.99, I can safely say that I have already had my money's worth from this dress and no doubt will get plenty more when I take it away on holiday with me next month. It's an elegant, flattering cut, super easy to wear and I honestly can't get enough of the print. It reminds me of a 1970s wallpaper, in the best possible way. The fabric is light as a feather, meaning that I've been able to enjoy it during the warmer weather with a pair of sandals and a straw bag, but thanks to the lovely autumnal print, it's going to work just as well layered up with jackets, tights and boots too.

Just as well, as I don't want to stop wearing it any time soon!

H&M Autumnal Floral Dress - How To Style

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Are you a fan of autumnal florals? Is this a trend you'll be wearing this season?

Kate x
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Wednesday, 18 September 2019

ELM RD. - The New Artisanal Home Fragrance Brand You're Going To Love (AD)

ELM RD. - The New Artisanal Home Fragrance Brand You're Going To Love (AD)

This post is in collaboration with ELM RD. All opinions, as always, are my own.

There's just something about home fragrance that feels so good. On the one hand, it's such a simple little luxury - treating yourself to a scented candle or room diffuser can be so easy and affordable to do. Yet it's also so much more than that. Scent has an incredible power to make us feel uplifted, chilled out or just plain indulged. It can remind us of our favourite people or special times in our lives, transport us to magical faraway places... a scented candle might be a small, attainable thing, but for those of us who love scent, its ability to work wonders on our feeling of wellbeing shouldn't be underestimated.

I am definitely one such person, and my home is never without scented candles or diffusers. Whether it's something fresh and floral in the hallway to welcome visitors, dreamy sandalwood in the lounge to evoke a feeling of relaxation or lavender by the bath to help me wind down before bed, I can't seem to get enough of home fragrance.

Vegan home fragrance brand

So, of course, I was beyond excited when I heard about ELM RD., a new home fragrance brand that launched late last year in the UK.

Born of a need to take time out from the daily grind and reconnect with nature and personal wellbeing, the memories and positive feelings evoked by scent are at the heart of the ELM RD. brand. Each product is handmade with love and care from 100% plant-based ingredients, meaning that they are all natural and vegan-friendly. Candles are made from a combination of rapeseed, soy wax and a blend of pure essential oils, with wooden wicks, to ensure a clean and long lasting burn. Diffuser oils are made from paraben-free botanical fragrances, a blend of essential oils and a vegan and eco-friendly diffuser base. Ingredients are cruelty free and sourced locally wherever possible, while the packaging is minimal and recyclable. 

British home fragrance brand

Each range is based on a particular combination of scents, designed to stir memories or conjure up images of a specific time or place. From the delicate sounding Petals, inspired by the gardens of Versailles in the time of Marie Antoinette, to Chalet, a blend of atlas cedar, smokiness and spice reminiscent of an alpine retreat, it was almost impossible to choose a fragrance to try. They all sounded so wonderful! Each range offers two sizes of candle, a set of tea lights and a room diffuser, with the latter being the most expensive product at £38, which in my opinion is a good price for a high quality home fragrance product. 

For those who really can't decide, ELM RD. even offers a bespoke service, where they will conjure up a selection of fragrances to capture the particular feelings the customer would love to have represented by scent. I can imagine how lovely that would be for a truly special occasion, like a wedding, for instance. In the end, I opted to try out a room diffuser in Amira and a scented candle in Secret.

Amira


Natural home fragrance brand

The Amira room diffuser is packaged in a sleek and minimal matte black bottle with black reeds, and looks very stylish on the mantelpiece in my living room. The fragrance is exotic and delicious with a hint of warmth - notes of mandarin mingling with frankincense, oud and geranium, inspired by palatial Middle Eastern architecture, desert landscapes and the Arabian Nights. 

I have a large living room, yet this small bottle fills it with scent beautifully, without being in the least overpowering. When I head in there to relax in the evenings, it washes over me as soon as I open the door, improving my mood instantly. I'm absolutely loving it and will feel quite bereft when it's finished. Even my husband has noticed how nice the room smells!

Secret

Hand crafted home fragrances from ELM RD.

I went for a candle in the fragrance Secret because it's slightly different to the scents I usually go for. Containing tobacco, tonka and bergamot, it's designed to evoke the atmosphere of smoky Manhattan jazz clubs - a captivating mix of cocktails, leather seating and expensive cologne. It's a really addictive fragrance and a lovely choice for the cooler months as there is such a warmth and cosiness about it. I might not have gravitated towards this type of scent much in the past, but I have a feeling that's going to change now! Just like the Amira room diffuser, the candle is housed in sleek black packaging and has an impressive ability to fill the room with scent.

ELM RD. has seriously impressed me. There are a lot of home fragrance brands out there, but the quality of this one for the price is truly fantastic. The fragrances are sophisticated and utterly irresistible, while the all natural ingredients and commitment to sustainability will, I hope, encourage modern and environmentally aware shoppers to add this brand to their must try list. Any lover of home fragrance will not be disappointed! You can browse their collection here.

Do you have any scented candles or room diffusers in use right now? If so, I'd love to know what your favourite fragrance is.

Kate x
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Tuesday, 27 August 2019

The Trousers You Need In Your Workwear Wardrobe

The Trousers You Need In Your Workwear Wardrobe

This post contains affiliate links, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

The days when I travelled to an office every day for work are a distant memory now, my place of business having been home-based for a number of years. However, I can well remember the eternal struggle of maintaining a decent workwear wardrobe.

The office I worked in wasn't a power suit and stilettos kind of place, but looking smart and put together was important. I also needed to concentrate on documents while sat at my computer for long periods of time, and as we all know, that's difficult to do if you're not comfortable. I was constantly on the lookout for pieces that would tick both boxes, and I also wanted them to be affordable. After all, no one wants to spend their entire pay check on clothes to wear to the office!

How to style paper bag trousers for work

If I was still in that job, I can say without a doubt that I would be racing to buy up these H&M paper bag trousers in every colour available (they come in black and beige as well as this checked version).  As office wear goes, in my opinion, these are about as perfect as it gets. With a tie belt to cinch in and accentuate the decorative, pleated high waist detail, and a tapered to the ankle cut, they are a really nice looking piece. Effortlessly chic when paired with a fitted turtle neck and loafers, you could easily up the smart factor by styling them with a crisp white shirt and a pair of kitten heels for an important meeting.

Are they comfortable? 100% yes. The soft fabric and loose fitting style means you can sit down at your desk and focus without being constantly distracted by restrictive clothing. You might as well be wearing pyjamas.

And finally, the price. At an incredibly reasonable £19.99, the question is, can you afford not to buy them?!

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What's your typical office attire?

Kate x
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Friday, 23 August 2019

H&M Try On Haul (Pre Autumn)

H&M Try On Haul (Pre Autumn)

Just as I start to give up on summer it seems there might be a new spell of clement weather around the corner! Even so, the shops are starting to gear up for the new season, and I thought a little mooch around H&M might be in order. I picked up a few interesting and super affordable pieces to style up and show you, all with the transition of summer into autumn in mind. Hope you enjoy the haul (you can watch here on YouTube if you prefer) and do let me know if you're starting to think about new season clothes yet!


What was your favourite look?

Kate x
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Monday, 12 August 2019

Meet Your New Transitional Hero Piece: The Linen Blazer

Meet Your New Transitional Hero Piece: The Linen Blazer

This post contains affiliate links, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

My love for blazers goes back years. I'm the type of person who feels the cold easily, so cover ups of every kind have always found a loving home in my wardrobe, but blazers are a particular favourite, mostly due to their magical ability to transform the most basic of outfits into something polished and put together.

When I saw this slimline linen number from Zara, I instantly knew it was going to be the perfect transitional piece. At £69.99 it was something of a splurge, but well worth every penny. For one thing, it's beautiful quality, with a silky lining and a very flattering cut, relaxed and yet tailored at the same time. The linen fabric is light enough to feel appropriate for the end of the summer, but substantial enough to provide some protection on chillier evenings. As for the neutral beige colour, it fits perfectly into my wardrobe.

I can see myself taking this away with me on a late summer holiday, to pull on over gauzy dresses when the sun has gone down and the air gets a little cooler. It also works perfectly at home as day to day wear, taking my habitual uniform of jeans and t-shirts from scruffy to stylish in one simple step.

Outfit with linen blazer from Zara

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Are blazers a staple in your wardrobe?

Kate x
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Wednesday, 7 August 2019

Ark Skincare: The Brand Promoting Beautiful Skin At Any Age

Ark Skincare: The Brand Promoting Beautiful Skin At Any Age

This post contains gifted products and affiliate links, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

Way back in 2014, when my blog was just a few months old, I was invited to my very first blogging event. Part of London fashion week, with complimentary manicures, superfood smoothies and canapés, the whole thing felt very exciting. I was lucky enough to meet a friendly group of fellow bloggers there too, which made the evening even more special, and I still look back on that event as one of the best I have been to since I started this whole online adventure of mine.

Why this little trip down memory lane, I hear you ask? Well, one of the organisers of that event was a brand called Ark Skincare. I can remember taking home a goodie bag with some of their products to try, and I can also remember how much I enjoyed those products. Beauty blogging being what it is, countless other brands have graced my bathroom cabinet since then, and I never did get around to trying anything else from Ark, even though I fully intended to at the time. So when they got in touch  a few weeks ago to offer me new products to try, I didn't hesitate. I couldn't wait to see if I still liked the brand as much as I did the first time around.

Ark Skincare: The Brand Promoting Beautiful Skin At Any Age, Vegan And Cruelty Free

Vegan friendly and cruelty free, one of the most interesting things about Ark Skincare is that they base their different ranges on age rather than skin type. Age Protect is designed for those in their teens and twenties, Age Defend for the thirties and forties and Age Defy for the over fifties. Each range offers cleansers and moisturisers with the optimum combination of vitamins, minerals, lipids and anti-oxidants for your age group, providing you with a solid base from which to build your skincare routine.

Once you have the core products most suited to your age, you can then add to them to create your own bespoke regime. Individual skin concerns, such as pigmentation and dull skin, blemishes and excess oil, sensitivity and redness, etc can be addressed by shopping Ark's Skin Perfecters range, while Skin Essentials like Pre-Cleanse and Makeup Remover, Reverse Gravity Eye Cream and Hydrating Beauty Mist provide all the finishing touches you could want.

Ark Skincare sent me the Pre-Cleanse and Makeup Remover from their Skin Essentials range, as well as the Conditioning Cleanser and Replenishing Moisturiser from their Age Defend line designed for my age group.

Pre-Cleanse And Makeup Remover (AD)

Ark Skincare Skin Essentials Pre-Cleanse And Makeup Remover

I've really been enjoying using this as a change from my usual micellar water, and have been finding it just as effective at removing makeup. Formulated from a multi-fruit lipid blend with Omegas 3, 6 and 9 and containing Grape Seed, Avocado and Kiwi Oil, the product nourishes while dissolving grime and feels like a very light oil on the skin. I've mentioned before that my skin doesn't always appreciate oil based cleansing on a long term basis, so I've not been using this every day of the week. As a result, my complexion is reaping the nourishing benefits of this gentle cleanser without my oily t-zone having the chance to become irritated. In addition to the main ingredients, Margosa Leaf Extract helps to curb the spread of bacteria while Zi Cao (an Ayurvedic herb) soothes sensitivity.

Conditioning Cleanser (AD)

Ark Skincare Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser

Ark Skincare Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser

This is probably my favourite of the three products as it's such a pleasure to use. The gel-type consistency that my skin always seems to favour, it also has the loveliest light and natural fragrance to it. The ingredients include Moringa Oil, rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as Kiwi and Passionfruit Lipids which provide moisture boosting Omega 3 fatty acids. Powerful antioxidant Blue Lotus assists with skin firmness and elasticity, while the combination as a whole helps to calm redness and soothe sensitive skin. I've been using this morning and night for a while now, and it always leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped, and beautifully balanced.

Replenishing Moisturiser (AD)

Ark Skincare Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser

Ark Skincare Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser

Top marks to Ark for the use of the airless jar packaging! I always like it when brands use these for cream based products as it gives me more confidence that the product will remain fresh until I've finished using it. Just like the cleanser, I've been using the Replenishing Moisturiser twice a day and my skin has been loving it. It's creamy enough to make my complexion feel like it's getting the hydration it needs, yet light enough to absorb easily and let me press on with makeup application. It contains Co-enzyme Q10 as well as Shea Butter and Olive Oil to provide plenty of moisture, and wrinkle plumping peptides including Matrixyl to help soften the appearance of fine lines. It's a fantastic moisturiser for anyone in their thirties or forties to have in their collection as a daily staple. My skin feels soft and looks smooth, and I love that I can just reach for this on a regular basis and know that it's working for my skin without having to think too much about it.

So, five years and hundreds of brands later, do I still rate Ark Skincare as much as I did before? No... I rate it more! I love the concept of age-based skincare, especially as you can still address additional skincare issues within the scope of their product range. The products themselves have been working very well for me and just as before, I'm keen to try more. I just have to make sure I actually get around to it this time!

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Have you tried Ark Skincare? What are your thoughts on skincare designed for specific age ranges?

Kate x
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Thursday, 1 August 2019

Currently Loving: Peasant Blouses

Peasant blouse from H&M

This post contains affiliate links, which are marked "Ad". Read my full disclaimer here

I'd like to introduce you to my latest obsession - the peasant blouse. A piece of clothing with which you can make a real style statement, yet appear totally relaxed at the same time. I ask you, what's not to love about that?! Tuck it into mom jeans and add flat sandals for everyday chic, or pair with an A-line skirt and sky high wedges for a smart-casual night out look. Going on holiday? The peasant blouse also makes a beautiful beach cover up. Throw it on over your bikini and add distressed denim shorts when it's time to head back into town.

My blouse is from H&M and currently on sale, but just in case you feel like browsing a few others, I've listed some of my favourites below. Enjoy!

 White Peasant Blouses


White peasant blouses from the high street
1 (AD)2 (AD)3, 45

 Patterned Peasant Blouses

Patterned peasant blouses from the high street

Is there a peasant blouse in your wardrobe? If so, I'd love to know your favourite way to style it!

Kate x
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Monday, 29 July 2019

The Prettiest Summer Nail Varnish Colours from Kure Bazaar

The Prettiest Summer Nail Varnish Colours from Kure Bazaar

This post contains gifted products and affiliate links, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

Kure Bazaar is a brand I've featured on the blog before. I was introduced to it back in spring 2018 and quickly fell in love with its beautiful shade range and caring, kind-to-nails formula. Containing Bamboo and Vitamin E to help strengthen and repair nails, the varnishes are also vegan and free from nasties such as formaldehyde and parabens, meaning that you can wear them on repeat without worrying about damaging your nails. This is great news, especially as the new summer shades are totally irresistible! I was very kindly sent three of them to test out, and I can honestly say they are some of the prettiest colours I've ever had in my collection.

French Rose Glow (AD)


The Prettiest Summer Nail Varnish Colours from Kure Bazaar - French Rose Glow

French Rose is one of Kure Bazaar's best sellers and reportedly a favourite of Meghan Markle. The new Glow version is the same shade, only more intensely pigmented and with an ultra shiny gloss to it. A perfect soft pink, you can layer one to two thin coats of this for a beautiful sheer finish, or build up several more to achieve something more opaque - if you are careful enough and have the patience, that is! This is ideal to wear as an every day summer colour, or all year round. Your nails, but better.

Sereno (AD)


The Prettiest Summer Nail Varnish Colours from Kure Bazaar - Sereno

I'm not drawn to blue shades of nail varnish that often, but when they're as pretty as this, I will happily make an exception! Easier to build to an opaque finish than the others, this stunning cornflower colour will make a lovely change from the pinks and corals I usually wear through the summer months. Blue never looked so feminine!

Rose Milk Glow (AD)


The Prettiest Summer Nail Varnish Colours from Kure Bazaar - Rose Milk Glow

The Prettiest Summer Nail Varnish Colours from Kure Bazaar - Rose Milk Glow

My favourite of the three, Rose Milk Glow is very similar to French Rose Glow, only slightly brighter and possibly a little more flattering on my fair-to-medium skin tone. This one looks really beautiful with a tan! Again, it's a more pigmented and shinier version of Rose Milk, another bestseller for Kure Bazaar and another favourite of Meghan Markle. I've gone for a semi-opaque finish here, but just like with French Rose Glow, you can veer either side of this depending on how many coats you apply.

You can shop the post below if any of these varnishes take your fancy. After all, if they're good enough for the Duchess of Sussex...!

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What nail varnish shades are your favourites in the summer?

Kate x
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Monday, 22 July 2019

New In My Beauty Cabinet

001 Skincare Alpha Paradise Cleansing Dew

This post contains gifted items, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

Thanks to some truly lovely PR packages, which were waiting for me when I got home from an extended stay with family recently, my skin has been enjoying some delightful summer treats over the past few weeks. Two are from Dr Botanicals, a tried and tested (and much loved) brand, while one is from a brand I hadn't heard of before - 001 Skincare, an unexpected but very welcome surprise. All three have proved such a joy to use that it would have been rude of me not to share, so here are the details!

001 Skincare Alpha Paradise Cleansing Dew (AD)

Oil based cleansers and my skin aren't always the best of friends, so I was somewhat wary of trying this product and have only been using it two to three days a week, relying on my trusty micellar water to remove makeup the rest of the time. So far it hasn't had any adverse effects, and I'm thrilled about that because it is such a wonderful product to use - this cleanser is worthy of a place in the fanciest of spas! First of all, it smells like a dream, due to its combination of jasmine, neroli and yang ylang oils. I can't resist a beautifully scented product and anything with jasmine in it is going to get my attention! It also feels nourishing, soothing and softening on the skin. Anyone who dislikes a stripping effect from their cleanser will love this, as it honestly feels like you're moisturising your skin rather than cleansing it. Yet it's also very effective at removing makeup. I tend to use a separate eye makeup remover, but other than that this will do the job very nicely, while caring for your skin at the same time. Cleansing your face never felt so luxurious.

Dr Botanicals Cocoa & Coconut Superfood Reviving Hydrating Mask and Lemon Superfood all-in-one Rescue Butter

Dr Botanicals Cocoa & Coconut Superfood Reviving Hydrating Mask (AD)

I love a cream mask that's super hydrating. Used two to three times a week as a sleeping mask, I always find I wake up the next morning with plumped, baby soft skin. This rich offering from Dr Botanicals is a perfect example and a very welcome addition to my collection. Containing cocoa and coconut, it has a very faint fragrance to it that is reminiscent of both those ingredients - good enough to eat! Feels deeply nourishing on application yet sinks into the skin surprisingly quickly, leaving you looking perfectly rested the next morning. 

Dr Botanicals Lemon Superfood all-in-one Rescue Butter (AD)

There couldn't be a nicer product to use in summer than this one. I've been using it as a hand cream but it's also a handy little multi-tasker, perfect to use on cuticles, elbows or just anywhere you might have dry skin. Like the cocoa mask, it manages to be both super rich and fast to absorb, and doesn't leave the slightest residue on the skin. As for the fresh lemon scent, it's divine and so perfect for warm summer days. I'm absolutely loving this one and think I will feel quite bereft once I've finished it!

Don't forget, if you fancy checking out the Dr Botanicals products or indeed anything from the Dr Botanicals website, you can enter the code KATELOUISE for a 20% discount at checkout.

What beauty products have you been loving this summer?

Kate x
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Monday, 15 July 2019

Find Your Sparkle With Abelini Jewellery

Find Your Sparkle With Abelini Jewellery

This post contains gifted items, which are marked "AD".  Read my full disclaimer here.

What's the most precious piece of jewellery you own? For me, it's probably my wedding ring. Engraved with my husband's initials and the date of our marriage, it's unique to me and very special. For others it might be a 21st birthday gift from their parents, or a family heirloom passed down from a beloved relative.

Diamond stud earrings from Abelini Jewellery Hatton Garden

I've been thinking about jewellery and the special role it can play in the most important moments of our lives ever since Abelini reached out to work with me a couple of weeks ago. I hadn't heard of the brand, but after a little research I could see I was going to be a fan, and I could quite easily lose hours  of my time drooling over the beautiful trinkets on their Instagram page. UK based with a showroom in London's famous Hatton Garden, they pride themselves on using modern crafting techniques to create unique, high quality designs from ethically sourced materials, as well as meticulous attention to detail and outstanding customer service. Their aim is to be a go-to name when it comes to choosing jewellery to mark life's most special occasions, and they even offer a special bespoke service where you can work one-on-one with a designer to create a piece of jewellery that is entirely your own - a wonderful idea for engagement rings, for example.

Diamond engagement ring from Abelini Jewellery Hatton Garden London

Heart Shaped Diamond Ring From Abelini Jewellery Hatton Garden London

While not everyone can have the opportunity to visit their London store, Abelini also has a comprehensive website, where you can not only browse a wide range of ready to wear designs but also select your preferred cut, setting, metal and price range to find the perfect ring, necklace or earrings for you or your loved one. There is also the possibility to have up to three samples made (in high quality silver and artificial diamonds) so that you can really be sure you're making the right choice. Selecting a special piece of jewellery is a big decision, so I love the idea of being able to see a mock up of the real thing.

Classic diamond stud earrings

Speaking of samples, Abelini very kindly sent a couple out to me so that I could get a feel for their pieces. The stud earrings are absolute classics, the kind of everyday luxury so many of us aspire to own, while the heart shaped ring is a real stunner and would make a fabulous cocktail ring or statement engagement ring. It's safe to say I'm hooked, and would definitely have Abelini high up on my list should I be in the market for diamond jewellery in the future!

I'd love to know about the most special piece of jewellery in your collection. Tell me a story in the comments!

Kate x
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Tuesday, 9 July 2019

Antipodes Healthy Lipsticks Review

Antipodes Healthy Lipsticks Review

This post contains gifted products, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

Having fallen in love with Antipodes skincare last year, I was thrilled to receive an email from their PR team recently offering to send me a few products, and intrigued to discover that those products were lipsticks. I had no idea that Antipodes made lipsticks! Would I like them as much as I liked the skincare? I had very high hopes.

Antipodes Healthy Lipsticks Review Forest Berry Red

Antipodes Healthy Lipsticks Review Piha Beach Tangerine

Antipodes Healthy Lipsticks Review South Pacific Coral

Antipodes Healthy Lipsticks Review Swatches

From left: Forest Berry Red (AD), Piha Beach Tangerine (AD) and South Pacific Coral (AD)

In due course, three super pretty, summery shades arrived and I set about putting them to the test. I filmed my review, and you can watch it over on YouTube or right here if you prefer.



If you'd like to check out the full range of lipsticks (there are so many stunning shades!) you can do so via the Antipodes website here. Have you tried these yourself?

Kate x
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Monday, 1 July 2019

Accessories I'm Here For This Summer

Accessories I'm Here For This Summer

This post contains affiliate links, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

I mentioned on Instagram recently that I particularly enjoy accessories in the summer months. There's just something about warm sunny weather and holidays that makes me want to have a little fun with costume jewellery, colourful bags, sparkly sandals... you name the trend, I am here for it in summer!

This season, there are three different accessories trends that I find myself particularly drawn to. So I thought I would share with you some of my favourite pieces on the high street.

Espadrille Wedges


I've had my espadrille wedges for a couple of years now and they have graced many a blog post and Instagram photo! Feminine and easy to wear, they go with everything from jeans to dresses and are perfect for completing your look in a ladylike way while still being able to walk (bonus!) I also have my eye on the taupe sandal version from Topshop (number 8 in the picture below). They have a chic look about them and I could do with changing things up a little!

Espadrille Wedges

1. Pretty in pink (AD), 2. Leopard print, 3. Powder pink (AD), 4. Studded (AD), 5. Ankle strap (AD), 6. Classic (AD), 7. Sunshine yellow, 8. Taupe (AD)

Pearl Jewellery


Pearl Earrings

There's something so ladylike about pearls, and I can't get enough of all the pearl jewellery and hair slides I'm seeing on my Instagram feed lately, especially when they're mixed with sea shells! I don't often wear statement earrings, but this pair from H&M are so pretty for summer and such a great, inexpensive way to change up my look. Next on my list is a pearl hair slide... if I can find one that doesn't look ridiculous on my tiny little head!

Pearl Jewellery


Straw Bags


Circular straw bag with sea shell embellishment


Is there anything cuter than a straw bag in summer?! They just work so perfectly as beach bags, and look as good paired with floaty maxi dresses as they do with distressed denim shorts. I have recently added a circular bag studded with sea shells to my collection, and I love the look of the River Island clutch (number 6 below) with its sparkly embellishment - it has a definite evening vibe which makes it a little bit different to the typical straw bag.

Straw Bags

1. Fringed (AD), 2. Oversized (AD), 3. Intricate (AD), 4. Beach bag (AD), 5. Shoulder bag (AD), 6. Bejewelled (AD), 7. Sea shells (AD)

What accessories are you loving at the moment?

Kate x
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Thursday, 20 June 2019

5 Trends I'll Be Revisiting This Summer

5 Trends I'll Be Revisiting This Summer

Summer clothes don't often get enough chance to shine in the UK, which is why I love it when my favourite trends pop back up again for another season! I've been routing around in my wardrobe and  have rediscovered five trends I enjoyed rocking last summer, which will still look bang up to date this year too. 

And so, of course, I made a video about it! You can watch it on YouTube if you want links to some of the pieces featured, or right here if you prefer.



What are some of your favourite summer trends?

Kate x
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Wednesday, 5 June 2019

Respinning The Satin Midi Skirt For Summer

Respinning The Satin Midi Skirt For Summer

This post contains affiliate links, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

It's fair to say that one of my favourite buys of last winter was my bias-cut satin midi skirt. In fact, back in January, I wrote a whole blog post about why everyone should add this particular skirt style to their wardrobe. But while they work beautifully with fine knits and knee high boots during the cooler weather, I've recently been discovering that they are equally fabulous with sleeveless tops and light summer footwear, adding a whole new level of versatility to this already hardworking piece. The satin midi skirt is officially an all-year-rounder.

How to style the satin midi skirt for summer

It was (as it so often is with me) a case of love at first sight when I spotted this skirt on the Topshop website. The palest shade of pink with the most delicate of polka dot prints and a row of tiny buttons down the front, it is feminine without being overly girly, just a little bit sexy and absolutely gorgeous. At least, I think so. My husband thinks it looks like a petticoat.

Circular straw bag with sea shells

I've paired the skirt with this simple black halter neck top (a River Island purchase from last summer), but I think that a camisole style in any neutral shade would look great too. To finish the look, I've opted for my trusty espadrille wedges and an oh-so-on-trend circular straw bag. My wedges are a couple of years old now, but you can still find styles almost identical to this in just about any high street store. The bag is a recent purchase from Topshop, and is embellished with sea shells - a design detail that is very much having a moment right now and one that I'm obsessed with!

Topshop straw bag

Styled like this, I think the look is perfect for being out and about on a warm sunny day, but switch the shoes and bag for some strappy heels and a sleek clutch, and voila! You're ready for cocktails.

Satin midi skirt outfit summer 2019

Outfit with satin midi skirt summer 2019

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Did you jump on the satin midi skirt bandwagon? And if so, are you still on it now that summer is here? I would love to know!

Kate x
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