Ruby+Ed Chunky Knit Beanie

A few Saturday's ago I received an exciting delivery from Ruby+Ed. I opened my front door and there was a box waiting for me. Inside it was a  beautifully wrapped knitted beanie - just in time for the cold weather setting in.

I'm a big fan of hats and although I have a load of them I don't actually have a nice beanie so it was extra specially great!

I've been aware of Ruby + Ed for quite a few years now but if you haven't heard of them before check out their website. They make luxury loungewear - perfect for gifting your family and friends, or perhaps treating yourself. There is sooooooo much that I want from them at the moment. Their hats have also recently been spotted on the likes of Caggie Dunlop (Made in Chelsea) and Lydia Bright (TOWIE) so I'm in good company.

This particular hat is super soft and I've been wearing it loads since receiving it, including today when Mr M and I ventured out into the cold for a Christmassy day of fun. I've worn it turned up a bit but you could also wear it more slouchy as seen on their website.

Teamed with my big cream shearling coat from Oasis last year, a pair of grey Zara skinnies and the ASOS 'popcorn' jumper I felt very cosy.

One last thing - If like me you love all things Christmas, check out their Christmas competition too (here). They're giving away a pair of their novelty Mr Reindeer Slippers........ I LOVE them!! Perfect for Christmas morning with some Christmas pyjamas and a Christmas jumper...... or is it just me who is planning on wearing that?!? I'm hoping to get Mr M in matching attire too!

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream, Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream and Joyous Protein Rich Night Replenish Serum

The lovely girls at Antipodes kindly gave me three of their products to test out. I've had them for a month now to give them a good trial before doing a little review.
This is the first time I've seen this brand before and it's prices are similar to brands found in Space NK. http://www.antipodesnature.com/home.html

Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream - £26.99
I find it really hard to track down a good moisturiser for during the day. My skin can be quite dry so I need something creamy, but if my moisturiser is too heavy it doesn't absorb and my make up just slides off. Knowing this I have to say I wasn't expecting too much. However, I've been very pleasantly surprised. In fact, I think this is one of the best moisturisers I've ever used. Seriously.

The texture is creamy and moisturising but light enough for my skin to absorb. I would definitely buy this again. The fact that it also contains extract from Marlborough sauvignon blanc grapeseeds also makes it quite appealing - although I usually prefer those in my wine glass!!

Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream - £24.99
I'm not sure I should admit to this, but I don't usually use eye cream........ So I was quite excited to see if it did anything. The very fact that there was a big sticker on the front stating 'scientifically shown to stimulate synthesis of collagen production by up to 82%' also got me interested.

The cream is light and basically scentless and I've been using it religiously morning and evening. Now the problem here is that I have noticed a definite difference in my, eh um, eye wrinkles. However, is this because I don't usually use an eye cream?!? I'm not sure. But I sure do like the results.

Joyous Protein Rich Night Replenish Serum - £36.99

Last but not least is the night serum. Again I haven't used a serum before, but I do use Darphin's Aromatic Purifying Balm which, when applied, is quite similar I think. From the instructions I wasn't sure if I should be using it as well as a night moisturiser so I decided to just use a few drops. It is quite oily (it is a serum) but not uncomfortably so and by the morning it is pretty much absorbed completely. One main pro that I can see is that it seems to completely zap zits..... I'm not sure if it's meant to, but I've definitely noticed zits disappearing at a dramatic rate (I'm talking 24hrs!). The only down point is that it makes my hair line greasy which means washing my hair more frequently.

All of that said, if it keeps my skin looking like this, I'll be a customer for a while to come!

Disappearing act

I know, I know. I've been missing in action again...... I promise there's been a load of stuff going on though, such as:

• Interviews - Interview outfit posts to come
• A visit to a brand new and exciting bar - It's a secret bar no less!!
• Mr M's Movember - I have a few progress images to share as well as the moment it was shaved off
• Some new purchases - Very exciting of course
• A new skincare routine - Which I love
• My first published article - Eeeeeek. The excitement!
• A trip to London for a pampering event - Lots of fun
• An exciting delivery from Ruby+Ed - Very cute and cosy
• Christmas day of fun - Dinner at Hotel Du Vin and the purchasing of the BEST Christmas tree ever.
• A spattering of girly gatherings and big nights out - no photos available. Far too incriminating!

All of these posts will come flying your way over the next few days. But in the meantime here's a picture of a cute fluffy dog. Random - for sure. But I bet he made you smile!

Sadly he does not belong to me. However I've put him on my Christmas list, but I don't hold out much hope.

Xxx

Today's outfit - In the red

This weekend was spent doing the family thing and was very laid back and relaxing. I spent most of the time wrapped up for walking around town and standing on the rugby sideline cheering Mr M on (whose moustache is coming along nicely BTW - photos will follow I promise!)

Here's today's outfit of choice - sometimes a slick of red lippy and nail varnish is all I need to feel a bit more pepped up when the weather is so dull.

It's the first outing for my trusty black over the knee boots. They are sooooo old and I desperately need to replace them. I had them shipped from Chinese Laundry about three or four years back after seeing Serena on Gossip Girl wearing them in grey - yes I am that sad! The red sweater is a French Connection piece from two years back and the blazer is my Urban Outfitters Chanel esque number.

The make up was inspired by the beautiful Scarlett Johansson in the new Dolce & Gabbana lipstick ad. Her lip is a bit more glossy than my Bourjois Rouge Dress Code lippy. Not sure if they still do it but it's been my fav red lipstick of choice for a long time now. What does everyone else do to brighten up their look on a dull day?

Tuesday's Outfit

Quick outfit post because I'm just heading out. This is my outfit of choice on Tuesday. The leather jeans are new and I loooovvvee them. Paired with my 'popcorn' jumper and chunky boots makes them more appropriate for daytime wear. However, I think a flatter pair of black ankle boots would be an even better match.

Leather can look a bit cold, so I threw on my long wool winter coat too.

The pics of my jeans haven't come out great so I'll re-post some better ones soon.

Laters!

Versace for H&M

Last night the much anticipated Versace collection for H&M launched in New York - and what a turn out!

I love H&M's collaborations. I picked up loads of great pieces from the Stella McCartney collection five years back. This one will be available from 9.00am on 17th November online. Unfortunately Bristol stores haven't been selected to carry the line so if you want to see it in the flesh you'll have to hot foot it to Cardiff - the closest branch for those of us in the South West.

In the meantime, here's a little teaser. Which pieces do you want?

Versace for H&M Fashion Show in New York from Barracuda Film & TV on Vimeo.

Movember

Mr M is participating in Movember this year so this picture is in celebration of it. Love it! I'll be posting images every so often for your enjoyment..... Of Mr M that is not the cute kitten/puppy thing, unless I can find anymore!

Saturday's outfit

Annoyingly I didn't take any photos of my outfit on Saturday night, but I've done a bit of a collage to piece it all together again.

The dress is super spangly and since it was an evening reception for a wedding on bonfire night it felt very fitting. Of course the sparkliest girl was the beautiful bride, Mrs Peel. She literally looked like an angel - absolutely stunning.

Dress, French Connection. Shoes, Carvela. Bag, All Saints

And this is what it looks like on someone........I was trying to channel Balmain's AW09 collection (a personal favourite).

Although I did swap the chunky heeled ankle boots for a more demure patent court.

The above was the inspiration for my make up, although I didn't shade so close to the brow line - if only I had pictures!!

33 ways to stay creative

Sweets for my Sweet

Fancying something a bit sweet I decided to put my very ripe bananas to good use and whipped up Mrs F's (my mum!) banana nut loaf this morning. It's so quick and easy to do (and frugal too) that I thought I would share!

What you'll need:
1/2 cup cooking oil
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3 ripe bananas, mashed (although I used 2lge ones today)
2 cups of self raising flour
1 tsp bicarb soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 chopped nuts

1. Beat oil and sugar together
2. Add eggs and banana pulp
3. Add all dry ingredients, milk and vanilla essence
4. Mix well
5. Stir in chopped nuts
6. Pour into a greased and floured 2lb loaf tin
7. Bake in a preheated oven 180C for 1hour

Voila! Delicious with butter.

Back to fashion later!!

Nail Inspo

I'm just getting around to catching up on my favourite blogs and first on the list was '...love Maegan'.

I've been reading this blog for years and years. Not only does she have amazing dress sense and the best hair EVER, but she's also got an incredible eye for interior design and does some of the best 'diy' posts I've ever seen. She also appears to share my love for Halloween too which only makes her more fabulous in my eyes!!

I digress - on Friday she posted about her nails for the weekend and having done a dark/glitter nail myself for my weekend I was instantly drawn to her version. Very cool! I'm just gutted that I chucked out my very own OPI 'Lincoln Park After Dark' a few months back...... I'm now also on the search for glitter varnish with bigger glitter.

Nails aside - check out Maegan's blog. I'm sure she doesn't need the promotion, but you honestly won't be disappointed.

image from http://www.lovemaegan.com/

Hairspiration

At the weekend I went for an extreme side parting - hopefully I'll be able to track down some images to share with you since I didn't actually take any myself.

The inspiration came from these iconic beauties (not the Clifton quiff that some of you may be aware of!!)

A week (and a bit) in pictures

The past week has been a bit of a whirlwind. There have been celebrations a plenty, cooking galore, cosy walks and wedding bells - a truly magical 9 days.

Friday 28th October - Impromptu Halloween drinks. The other pictures are all too incriminating!!

Saturday 29th October - Homemade pumpkin soup and cheese scones before Mr M's rugby match

Sunday 30th October - Our 6 month anniversary. Risotto and a late night stroll past our wedding reception

 

 

Monday 31st October - Halllllooooowwwweeeeeeeennnnnnn!!

Tuesday 1st November - Girly night of gossip, grigio and gluttonous pizza with the gorgeous Ms Cross

Wednesday 2nd November - Mr M's birthday. I was very impressed with his interpretation of 'please dress for dinner'!

Thursday 3rd November - Cute and casual in my 'popcorn' jumper, fur boots and biker jeans. ALSO, a very rare image of me without my phone in my face!

Friday 4th November - Prep for the lovely Ms Charles' wedding day on Saturday. This is my very attractive tanning outfit!! Hair practise, nails done as well as the shoe and bag selection.

Saturday 5th November - The amazing wedding of Mr & Mrs Peel.

Sunday 6th November - The amazing hangover!!! The day was spent on the sofa with back to back films. I blame the jager bombs and everyone involved in them........ you know who you are. x



Today's Look

This will sound insane but sometimes I literally do dream about an outfit and this was last night's conjuring - an outfit I've never put together before.

The blouse was a recent purchase from Dorothy Perkins of all places. I absolutely love the detail and it looks just as good done up to the neck or undone to show a sneak peak of decolletage.

The cigarette pants are from H&M last year - I fell in love with them because they reminded me of a pair of ski pants my mum used to wear in the 80's with a slouchy knit (guess I take my taste in clothes from her!).

My Chanel esque jacket is LUX from Urban Outfitters a few years back. And finally the shoes are absolute killers from Carvela.

Feeling very Karl Lagerfeld - now where's my shades and gloves da'ling!

Fashion confession

Stick with this......

About a month ago I watched the original Footloose for the first time EVER. So the first confession is:

1. Yes, it really has taken me 28 22 years to see the original Footloose film

This leads me to the second confession:

2.      I really REALLY want to see the new one - eeek! I'm cringing as I tell you...

Now, it’s not just because I’m desperate to see them dance their little feet off, it’s also because ever since I first saw the advert it has made me think of some of my favourite fashion spreads. This now leads me to another confession.

3.      I can’t throw out magazines. I have mostly every issue of Vogue since 2004 and a number of another fav mag of mine – American Elle – much to my husband’s dismay when we’ve moved as many times as we have! They are pretty heavy to shift.

So when I saw the advert again today I decided to search out the images I had remembered and here are some snippets from said spreads.

The first three are from Sept 2004 and the second three from Sept 2008 (I can tell you’re judging me now – I am a total magazine geek). As you’ll see there are two things to note here. Despite being four years apart they are incredibly similar – they both feature western style and they both include Jessica Simpson.

So this finally leads me to my final two confessions:

 

4.      I LOVE a good old check shirt, a smattering of distressed leather, a beaten up pair of cowboy boots and my jeans. Secretly I want to be from the Deep South. America that is, I don’t think Brizzle is quite the same!

5.      I kind of love Jessica Simpson. I don’t know why but I do. I loved MTV’s Newly Weds, I have her wedding book and I was gutted when her and Nick broke up.......

Saved the best till last didn’t I?! Right, I’m off to go and hang my head in shame! Perhaps I'll put on a check shirt to pay homage too.

Today's Look

Today has been pretty mild here in Bristol (although it is now chucking it down outside whilst I write this!) and with some brand new knitwear in my wardrobe I decided to match it with my favourite ever skirt! That's right - I got my legs out in October!

It's a Karen Millen number from years and years ago which can be dressed up or down. I mostly wear it with a plain white vest, battered denim jacket and pumps in the summer but thought it would look kinda cute with my newest A/W boots and Zara cable knit sweater. What say you?

Matched with Leighton Denny Supermodel nail varnish (literally the best nude colour I've found) I felt very autumnal.

Sweater from Zara. Skirt from Karen Millen (years ago). Boots from Marks and Spencer (totes!)

Today I would like to be wearing

Ring from Net-A-Porter Sweater from ASOS Necklace from Topshop. Bag from ASOS. Jeans from Zara

The jeans and ring are long time 'wants'. I blogged about that ruddy ring agggeeeesss ago too here. The sweater is just cute and I love oversized clutch bags during the day. Lastly, the necklace is a bit kooky - but I LOVE Halloween and it kinda feels fitting.

Inspo for the day

Stuck for outfit ideas. Here's a couple of images that are inspiring me today - perfect for this autumn weather. Their all taken from some of my favourite blogger sites - check them out.

 Love everything about this outfit The Blondesalad



 Hair and makeup inspo Olsens Anonymous



So cute as always Ulrikke Lund

Love this outfit but my favourite bit is the shoes - they're mice! Lovely Pepa 

Nails are AMAZEBALLS Studded Hearts. Wonder if it's OPI Muppet Collection?! I'm thinking Kermit 

Relaxed but still pulled together. I ♥ Love Maegan

Tan, Hair, Lashes and that furry hair band. What is not to love LLYMLRS

Missing in action

So apart from today, I've been a bit MIA - I just wasn't feeling very inspired I guess and sometimes life just gets in the way. However, that doesn't mean I haven't been up to much. Here's a week (and a bit) in pictures. 

A picnic with Mr M.....

 chilling out in the last of the sunshine....

and watching balloons.

Shopping with my sister and nephew - it all got a bit much for him in Zara!

An early morning jog....

to take a look at the Clifton suspension bridge.

 Rocking out the tweed for the first time this year...

and a bit of leopard print too of course!  

A spot of cooking in the new flat....

 Fish pie, green beans and sugarsnap peas I'll have you know.

And making home. It's looking pretty good.