30 December 2018

Five things I try to take on board

Hello!!! It's been so long, hasn't it! Family life has well and truly taken over this year. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas break and are looking forward to 2019.

Something a little different on the blog today. I’ve written about Five things I’ve tried to take on board over the years. With a few hiccups along the way, my life hasn’t been perfect, but I wouldn't change it at all. When I look back throughout the years, some of the most stressful times have actually been a blessing in disguise.  I’ve moved away from people who always attract drama, the ones with negative energy and as a result, I have never been better. If you have these people in your life, make sure 2019 is a year you surround yourself with positive energy. 

The first thing to take on board is YOU WILL BE OK! 
Life won’t always be great but you know what, you will be ok. After my miscarriage last year I was very anxious to be pregnant again, but I now have a beautiful baby boy. I know it's not that easy for some and things may not always work out at the time you want it to, but good things do happen, you will be ok. 

Secondly FEAR 
Don’t let fear get in the way, opportunities don’t always come but when they do, they’ve come for a reason and it’s most likely because you’ve attracted this into your life. Embrace it and give it a go, you have nothing to lose. Don't let fear stop you from moving forward and living your life, 'the best things in life are on the other side of fear'. This is something I'm still learning to do fully, I'm going to make sure 2019 is a year I try and step out of my comfort zone. 


Thirdly WHAT WILL BE, WILL BE
Somethings don’t happen overnight, it has felt like we’ve been searching for a house for ages, but it’s funny how things work out when it’s meant to happen. Just believe it will happen, there is no room for negativity in your mind. Same goes for most things, it will happen, be patient, believe and work hard. What will be will be!  

Fourthly be WORRY FREE AND STRESS-FREE
Easier said than done I know. However, stop worrying and stressing about things that haven’t happened, if something has happened, ask yourself if it can be resolved. If it can’t then stop worrying because it’s out of your control. If it can be resolved then what you worrying about? I honestly try not to stress too much, my husband always says I'm too laid back but I've always been like this....like I mentioned before, what will be, will be. 

Lastly, ENJOY LIFE
Try and enjoy life. Laugh and spend time with people who make you feel good. Life is short and there are many beautiful things out there for us to see and learn. Don’t take life too seriously! 

The above is something I can go back and read when I feel I need a little push in the right direction. Not sure what 2019 will hold but this year was mainly focused on my pregnancy and finding a house. I want to concentrate 2019 on career, house stuff, family and friends. I'm excited to see how my baby boy grows up, it's a lovely year ahead for us as a family.

Thank you for reading and I wish you all a Happy New Year! 




23 September 2018

Coat Edit AW18

Hello all, hope you're all looking forward to Autumn? I guess we're seeing the last of Summer now and if you haven't already thought about coats, I've rounded up my favourites from the high street. I've invested in a couple of coats last Autumn/Winter so hoping I'm not tempted this year to buy any. Saying that I would really like a checked coat...oh and a leopard one, and maybe a simple black or navy coat. Hmmm, I have a feeling I may be tempted!

Here are some essential coats to have in your wardrobe. 

1. Teddy coat/Fur coat
2. Checked coat

1. Brown 2. Red 3. Navy 4. Grey



















3. Basic coloured coats (Black/Navy/Grey/Camel)

1. Camel 2. Brown 3. Black 4. Navy 5. Dark Grey

4. Coloured coat

1. Red 2. Pink 3. Orange 4. Green 

5. Puffer coat/Parker/Raincoat

1.Parka  2. Raincoat 3. Geen Puffer, 4. Navy puffer 5. Parka with fur hood

One last coat, it ticks three of the above (fur, checked and coloured). It's from Mango and one to invest in if you want to make a statement.

 

Lastly, I just wanted to add some leather jackets in, a leather jacket is one of my favourites to wear during mild weather and also the best for layering. Left is a budget one (not real leather), the middle is mid-range but real leather and the last one is more pricey but worth investment.

Left, Middle, Right


Hope this helped in your coat search, remember to stick to what suits you and your style. Happy shopping!


12 September 2018

Blazer Weather

The weather in London is perfect at the moment, not too cold and not too hot! It's not coat weather yet, so the blazer is the best alternative for this transitional period. I've already invested in two blazers this season, both great for layering up too when it does eventually get too cold. 

The Classic Black and Grey Blazer
Something most of us probably have in our wardrobe, it will last for years and can be worn over anything. 


The Checked Blazer
Another classic, essential in your wardrobe and makes a difference to a plain blazer.


The Coloured Blazer
This is something that is missing in my wardrobe, I think it will look great over simple jeans and tee outfit or paired up with more colour. 


There are plenty of options on the high street at the moment to suit everyone, I have selected a few of my favourites below:

1. ASOS
2. MANGO
3. BODEN
4. WAREHOUSE
5. &OTHERSTORIES
6. &OTHERSTORIES
7. GAP
8. GANNI

Happy Shopping and remember to invest in a piece you see lasting in your wardrobe.

28 August 2018

A/W 2018 Trends

I say trends, but these are not just one off trends. Every season I pick four key looks that will last in your wardrobe. This season has been full of things I already own or still to invest in.

The first big look for this season if you didn't know already is ANIMAL PRINT.
The stores are full of animal print, the leopard print has become a classic print over the years and will always be around. If you wanted to try something different, snake print and Zebra print is popping up too. Again, if you're not big on print try accessories, shoes are a great way to add a bit of detail to any outfit. If you wanted to invest in one animal print, make it a leopard print coat or shoes.

L-R: Max Mara, Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Ganni (All images from Vogue )

Second is BROWN TONES.
I don't own much of this colour, it's never been a colour I've been drawn too much unless it has other details/prints along with it. But saying that, I think I need a brown jumper in my life! Brown comes in so many different tones, invest in one that suits you.

L-R: Max Mara, Alberta Ferretti, Victoria Beckham, Chloe ( All images from Vogue )

The third is CHECKS.
Again something you may have in your wardrobe already, an investment piece to buy would be a coat or blazer, but loving the skirts and dresses!

L-R: Christian Dior, Ganni, Michael Kors, Max Mara (All images from Vogue )

Fourth is LEATHER.
A good quality leather biker jacket will last you years. Mine is nearly 10 years old, would definitely like to invest in another. It goes with most things and great for layering too. Another great buy would be a leather skirt and trousers.

L-R: Tods, Miu Miu, Max Mara, Alberta Ferretti ( All images from Vogue )

Thanks for reading, and remember to raid your wardrobes as most people will own at least two of the above, don't buy if you don't need to only to update your wardrobe.


21 August 2018

Everyday Glasses with Bailey Nelson

For the last few weeks or so I have been wearing my glasses more, mainly due to the fact I've been at home but also I'm giving my eyes a break from contacts. I've been short-sighted since I was in my late teens but hated wearing glasses so hardly ever did.

Covent Garden Bailey Nelson

I'm now at a stage where I would like to wear glasses more often and switch from monthly contacts to daily contacts.  I came across Bailey Nelson, an optician in London (Founded in Australia and now a global brand) and was pleasantly surprised by their trendy and classic frames at reasonable prices.



I love the fact the brand uses parts from all over the world, the lens is made from Japan, acetate from Italy and hinges from Germany. But most of all they have a lot of variety!


I got in touch with Bailey Nelson and popped into there Covent Garden store, they have a branch in Old Spitalfields Markets too. I went in for a routine eye test first which was quick and informative. Monica at the store was so helpful in doing my eye test, she also recommended some contacts to trial out at the same time and helped me choose a frame to suit my face shape with a little help from the friendly team at the store. Everyone in the store was honest and helpful, I left the store feeling confident in the frame I chose. My experience was definitely less stressful than I has been in the past.

The below bottom frames were the ones I chose, I collected them from the store and after a few adjustments with the fit, I was ready to leave with them on. I would definitely recommend popping into their store to check out the range, you don't have to pay extra for the lens or added extras like anti-glare or anti-scratch. Totally worth travelling a little further to chose a frame!




This post was in collaboration with Bailey Nelson but all words are my own. 

31 July 2018

Summer Holidays

I've been lucky to have my husband off for the first week of summer holidays, but now he's back to work I've been trying to plan some fun things for my 6 years old son to do.

If you live local to Bromley (Kent), the Glades shopping centre always has great things for the kids during the holidays. Last year we attended the event 'Kids on the moon' that involved my son in a space suit learning about space and what an astronaut does. 

This year they have an Event called Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and it's all about the journey through the human body where they dress up as junior doctors and learn fun facts at the same time.

This is a free event running from now till 22nd August and can be booked here. It is recommended for kids from year 1 to year 6 and is 40 minutes long.

The experience:

My son and I arrived at the event, I sat down to relax as my son dressed in his Junior Doctor outfit and started his little journey into becoming a junior Doctor.




They started by doing several exercises, from learning about how important exercise and the right diet is, to learning about the body. They have facts and body organs for the kids to explore which my son found interesting, he actually came back remembering a few things...can't complain really!

 


They all finish with a little graduation and receive a certificate to say they are now junior doctors! It was not only a fun event for my 6-year-old, but he came out learning a few things too. A bonus really, especially as it's harder to get them to do any sort of learning during the holidays!

We then popped to a few shops before spending the evening having dinner in one of their many restaurants. My son had a little play around in the park before we left too, which is directly outside the Glades. It's a cheap day out and keeps the little ones busy! Highly recommend!

If however, you're not local to Bromley, below are a few other options to help you through the summer holidays! Free or not that expensive for the summer holidays:

Local Parks ie. Crystal Palace Park, Dulwich Park, Greenwich
Exploring local forests
Mini Golf
Swimming
Beach
Fishing
Indoor crafts

14 July 2018

Sale Buys

Sale shopping can sometimes be a bit too much, especially in stores. You can get a bit carried away and buy things you won't usually buy or even need, it's usually the buzz and the reduction in price we all go crazy for! I don't tend to buy too much in the sale unless it was something I have been eyeing up for ages or a wardrobe essential. This year I stuck to my essentials, two basic t-shirts and a Mac from Zara. I think being pregnant also helped to my advantage, nothing ever fits and there is only so many baggy clothes a girl can have!

I have gone through a few of my favourite stores and picked out some great sale buys, hopefully, it will carry you onto Autumn/Winter:

Topshop:
The skirt below will take you into Autumn/Winter, wear with a simple tee tucked in, with sandals or trainers. Then for next season wear it with ankle boots and a chunky jumper.
The pink sandals are perfect for adding colour to an outfit, great for holidays too. (Also comes in blue).

Skirt
sliders

Mango:
So many lovely things in Mango I love. All easy to wear and wearable year after to year. Shirts are great buys, wear with shorts or jeans anytime. Love the below yellow and white ones below.

Yellow Shirt, Bag, Jeans
Dress, White shirt

ASOS:
So many clothes in ASOS, hard to filter down but here are a few I found I like.

Top, Jeans, Jumpsuit
Top, Dress
Happy Shopping!

7 June 2018

Maternity Wear

I actually don't like spending money on maternity clothes, I personally think we can kind of make do with what we have or buy regular clothes on the high street. I remember the first time I was pregnant I made it through the 9 months by wearing what I had (apart from a couple of maternity items I had bought), but mind you I was in leggings most of the time. Being pregnant mainly in autumn/winter meant I had to invest in a pair of jeans.

The second time around, I gave into buying jeans a lot earlier, Spring/Summer was taking a very long time to arrive plus my jeans were too tight. But now we're into summer days, I enjoy wearing dresses and enjoy trying out new styles. I have so far only spent money on non-maternity clothes, all which are my usual size so I can wear after (click here for the previous post on this).

Images from Pinterest

It's not easiest at times styling the bump, but Pinterest has helped. I realised bodycon dresses are perfect for embracing your pregnancy bump, also long t-shirts and dresses with elasticated waists or wrap fronts. If you don't like showing too much, I like having a blazer or jacket over or around the bottom of my bump.

If you are struggling with your own clothes and feel maternity clothes are the only way, I have picked a few of my favourites below. The only two maternity jeans I have are from Topshop and ASOS, both fall down a lot, but after mentioning this on my Instagram stories, so many messaged back saying H&M do the best maternity jeans. I haven't invested in one yet as I'm trying to make do without jeans this summer. I am due in September and am hoping to make do with what I have, even if it means wearing those annoying jeans that fall down a lot!

H&M

Jeans, Playsuit, Tunic

Topshop

Skirt, Jeans, Dress

New Look

Dress, Shirt, Dress

ASOS

Skirt, Dress, Jumpsuit

I also have to mention this brand called Beyond nine, came across the brand on Instagram, they do great pieces that can be worn after too. My favourite two are below (left, right).

 


Hope this helped a few ladies out, it's not always easy styling the bump but can be done without spending too much.

21 May 2018

Summer Wardrobe With The White Company

For those that follow me, know I love wardrobe essentials from the basic white t-shirts and shirts to a black dress, forever lasting in your wardrobe. If budget is no obstacle, go for quality. One store that does the basics to a tee is The White Company.

The white company is known for there clean neutral colours and timeless styles, not only in their home range but in fashion too. As summer is well and truly here, I have picked out a few of my favourite pieces from their range, mainly the summer essentials.

First up is the grey linen wrap dress, which I'm wearing with the black espadrille sandals. The sandals give a little height and will go well with jeans too. This dress is light, breathable and just right for me, as I'm 5 months pregnant. I think it will go perfectly with white trainers or even heels for an evening out.

Dress, Shoes, Bag (bought abroad) similar here


A black dress is essential in anyone's wardrobe. I have styled this in a daytime and evening look below. This dress would last all year round and would be great for winter too teamed up with a chunky cardigan and lace-up ankle boots.

Dress, Slides, Bag, Trainers


Necklace, Bracelet, Clutch, Shoes

Another alternative black dress I like is the below linen wrap dress (same as the grey version I'm wearing), perfect if you want to show off your legs and very roomy if you want something loose fitting. Team with trainers or the below gold sandals.

 

The summer skirt! I absolutely adore this skirt (comes in black too), elasticated waist, midi length and linen. Team with trainers and a white t-shirt for a classic day look, or pair with these espadrilles. Come transitional season wear with a light jumper or pair with a leather jacket.

 

If you fancy buying any of the above items mentioned or others, I have a special code for all my readers. The offer is an introductory 15% off orders plus free delivery over £50 (online & In-store), just use the code TEECLUTTER15 (Valid from 18th May 2018 till 19th June 2018). Please see below terms and conditions. Happy Shopping!!!

(T&C’s: Offer is valid on full-priced items only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Standard free UK delivery is valid for online, telephone and store mail orders to the UK mainland only when you spend £50 or more. Offer excludes gift wrap, gift vouchers, all furniture, beds, mattresses, upholstery and made-to-order items. Offer is not valid in our clearance stores. Valid while stocks last. For full Terms & Conditions please visitwww.thewhitecompany.com/help/terms/. To redeem this offer in-store you must present this code or show it on your mobile device. Offer ends midnight 19th June 2018).

This post was in collaboration with 'The White Company', however, all words are opinions and words are my own.