La Redoute + SHOES!

It should come as no great surprise that I am once again blogging about shoes, in fact, I should probably consider re-naming my blog to something shoe related. This post today comes courtesy of the shoe collection from La Redoute, a company I have shopped with many a time before, and have nothing but good words to say!


They have a MASSIVE selection of shoes on the website, a lot of which are currently on sale...some of my top picks for the winter weather and party season are:

...perfect for parties and only £20.30!

  (I don't know why I love these, but I do!) currently 40% off at £75

 £129.50 for these lace up loves, hefty price tag, yes? But can you put a price on boot heaven? Nope...thought not!

And no shoe post from me would be complete without glitter shoes...£49.00 and just party perfect really!

What do we think? Yay...nay...or Laurayouarefartooobsessednow?

xxx

so many tights

The downside of owning 90+ pairs of tights is that there just isn't enough time to wear them all. The upside is that from time to time you find a pair, still in the packet just begging to be worn. That's what happened with this pair, purchased months ago in New Look, an impulse buy, suckered in by the Daisy print.
Clearly I'm missing dressing for work this week, as I ended up looking quite smart in *that* Peacocks dress that I lusted after so badly at the start of the year...and my ever faithful Yull Chelsea boots, truly my best footwear investment
(watch me change my mind when my Sarenza delivery arrives!)

Yesterday was another of those ideal days off, if you can toss aside the awful weather. A venture in the morning to a row of boutique style shops, where a bracelet was purchased and the cobwebs were blown away. In the afternoon came an appointment, with a dietitian, because once again I am ready to face things head on and gain some weight + health back (and by mentioning it here, I am committing myself, and perhaps wondering if I'll fully accept it..it's weird to be wanting to do this, from a fairly healthy point to start with, one wonders if it's even needed), followed by a mad dash home in the pouring rain to the comfort of central heating and a steaming cup of tea.

Today is payday. And shopping day. Is there a better/more lethal combination? I have two Christmas presents left to buy...I hope to get that sorted, so I can sit smugly and watch the last minute shoppers panic (actually, that isn't true, I just hate crowded shops and pushy people with a passion!)

How's your Christmas preparation going? I'm feeling oddly festive already!

xxx

Sorry for once again "putting myself out there". You people have been so wonderfully supportive, and right now I guess I need reassurance I'm doing the right thing.

BlablaCar

This might seem like an odd post coming from me; someone who is neither a driver nor a student, however when I found out about BlablaCar I genuinley wanted to share the idea with you guys to see if it is something you could, or would think about implementing on your student journeys (or commute to work).

BlablaCar is a carpooling scheme that is just finding it's feet in the UK after great success elsewhere in Europe. With the price of petrol going through the roof, not to mention the nightmare of parking and damage to the environment, carpooling gives you the chance to save some money and save the world and meet new people (I wonder if they'll add carpool speed dating?)


 Combining social media and a travel site, BlablaCar is currently looking for a university town or university club with the most enthusiasm to award £3000 to! If you belong to a club on Campus  or know someone who does, then join me in spreading the word and do some good today! For more info and a competition pack, email campus@blablacar.com or visit the Campus website here. The winning club will be chosen at the end of March 2012.

I'd be really interested to hear from anyone who has ever tried carpooling in any form; how did you find it? Did it save you any money? Have any of my readers in Europe heard of BlablaCar before? On a personal level, I'd like to see this become more commonplace, both Bristol as a city, plus my tiny little town on the outskirts are a nightmare for parking spaces and so full of cars, a reduction by even a small amount would make a massive difference.


   






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Eiffel

I think the Monday of a week off is the best day, no matter what you do or don't do, there is a smug satisfaction on not having to get up and face the ringing phones and onslaught of the weekend backlog. As it happened, it was a pretty good day anyway, my Mum also has the week off and we spent the day luxuriating in the warmth of the house, popping out to change up £100 worth of silver coins for some treats when we shop tomorrow and visiting my Grandparents for a long over-due catch up over a fresh cup of coffee (my Grandad makes the best coffee, ever).

I wore Eiffel Tower print Get Cutie skirt, Primark jumper, my ever faithful Tesco tights and Shelly's t-bar shoes.

I think today will be another of those pottering days, making sure we have plenty of energy for a shopping spree tomorrow (another perk of being off, being able to shop on actual payday!)

I hope your weeks got off to a great start

xxx

Kildare Village

Viral video by ebuzzing

The not so Shabby Apple

Shabby Apple is an American brand, one I've seen on many USA based blogs over the time I've been blogging. I'd always admired the simplicity and quality of the dresses from afar, so when Dayna got in touch and asked if I'd like to receive a dress, I was very quick to say yes!


"We started Shabby Apple because we saw a need in women’s fashion that was not being met. A need to make women feel feminine and beautiful for what they wear, not what they bare. We offer flirty, stylish dresses a woman can wear just as comfortably in the office, at a family dinner, or on a date. Shabby Apple is a fashion company for women, by women, and of women.
Because serving women and families is a core value at Shabby Apple, we devote a certain percentage of our net proceeds to charitable causes serving women and children"

The dress I picked was the moon river ...a little bit Mad Men, a little bit of vintage glamour, and a gorgeous charcoal grey colour...I was smitten.
Because of the shipping to the UK and the value of the dress, I did have to pay a customs charge to receive this (which Shabby Apple very kindly took care of) so if you are in the UK and want to order, please factor that in...
but don't let that put you off. One of a kind dresses. Made to fit you and flatter you. Amazing quality fabric and craftsmanship...if I had a super special occasion coming up (I'm already thinking to my friends wedding in May) I'd be investing.

Worn with Tesco tights (oh, the glamour) and those New Look shoes again!

Happy Monday folks...hope it's a good one.

xxx

P.S. Matalan giveaway still going on!

sloth like days

Primark jumper dress, primark tights, converse c/o Sarenza...pretty much the only option when one is full of cold and on the first day of a much needed week off.

The most effort I put in to anything yesterday was washing my hair. That and hunting down a gingerbread man in Waitrose (with no success)...I did manage to stock up on my current favourite breakfast though, taking full advantage of the 2 for £3 offer on Dorset Cereals gingerbread porridge.

Porridge and gingerbread fans MUST try this, available in selected Waitrose stores and online...it has real pieces of gingerbread in it and is so perfect for these colder mornings; a proper cuddle in a bowl!

Has anyone tried it yet? What is your favourite winter breakfast?

Views on last night's x-factor? I gave up half way through and switched over to Casualty!

xxx

Zatchels- too cool for school!

I've never been obsessive over bags in the way I am shoes, tights and dresses. Trends come and go...and generally pass me by, and it seems the more popular a bag is, the less attention I pay it.
This all changed recently, as I started to see Zatchels pop up on Twitter and on blogs. It was instant lust over leather. The limited edition ladybug bag ran away with my heart, and the metallic stars, perfect pastels and cute dinky barrel bags sealed the deal.

 

All of the bags are handmade in England and you can choose whether the bag comes with a handle or not. The bags can be made in a variety of sizes (each priced accordingly). The barrel collection starts at £45, and the satchels around £99 and up. 

I seriously cannot get over just how much I covet these. If I have any money left after Christmas shopping the ladybug bag is MINE! (Or maybe the pewter metallic, or navy metallic stars...oh, decisions)

Which one is your favourite? What is your dream bag?

xxx

Matalan Giveaway

Party Night

Ok, so it's a Friday evening, I have the beginnings on a cold and I'm sat in my PJs and nursing a cup of tea...and so wishful thinking is leading me to this post,
you see, a couple of weeks ago, George  sent over a gorgeous dress that just begged to be styled up.

I was pretty surprised to see what a great collection of party dresses that they had...George reminds me of my school days (mainly because I got a lot of my school basics there) and I hadn't really considered checking there for my party shopping despite previous fabulous finds from their clothing range.


Please excuse the downright shit quality of these photos. Tiredness and winter lighting = I gave up after the 378534th attempt.

 

I know it breaks all the rules, but I do have a soft spot for black and navy together.

xxx

Chill in the Air

After what has felt like an exceptionally mild month, this week there has been a distinct chill in the air and suddenly my standard coat, gloves, scarf and hat don't feel adequate; if I'm this cold NOW, what will I do when the snow and ice comes?

I used to hate faux fur, really, really hate it but over the last couple of years my tastes have once again changed, and this week I have serious cravings for all things cosy and strokeable.

The coats cost £65 and come from gigi vintage and the freedom hoods are from faux uk starting at £79.99...pricey, but they do look exceptionally handy for keeping both head AND neck warm!

Your thoughts on faux? Or fur in general...opening a whole can of worms here, I know.

xxx

A Special Seed

Volcom SEED

SEED is a Volcom initiative to support the grass roots of fashion. In 2009 Volcom approached the London College of Fashion with an open brief to re-invent a classic piece of Volcom denim. The prize was a six month placement working in the girls design department on a capsule collection to be known as the SEED line. 

In starting the capsule collection, the starting point for Anju was to re-visit some of Volcom's most popular and key garments. Anju wanted to create a fresh take on these key pieces but not lose the Volcom identity. As she started the research, she became inspired by the traditional art of Origami and wanted to recreate intricate and beautiful origami techniques in fabric. 

The colour palette is based around matt and sheen black, estate blue, cinder brown and hints of plum. the combination of these colours project a feminine and sleek look, and with this being a more luxurious line, the fabric choices reflect this accordingly including silk yarns, bamboo cotton and a woven Jacquard. 

Every detail on every garment has been hand selected and developed by Anju Khusul resulting in a unique and incredible collection. 

Volcom is a brand I was more familiar in my tomboy teen days than I am now. Growing up with a skateboarding obsessed brother, I saw...and wore quite a lot of it. When an e-mail showcasing the SEED line popped up, I didn't expect to find it so endearing; especially as it is quite a break away from my usual style...but once again, I was surprised and I could happily see me wearing any of this thanks to the fashion forward details.

Anyone who knows me well will know I'm not a fan of jeans...them and I, we just don't get on. These padded knee detail ones however...shot right up there to the top of my wish list, along with the shoulder detail jumpers (I love me a good knit) and the blue coat...so basically, the entire collection.

What do you think? Were you aware of Volcom? Who knew they could come up with something so pleasingly tomboy chic?

Happy Friday folks!
xxx

Alright, Petal?

Matalan skirt, New Look cardi, Primark jumper (£5! The proof will be in the washing), Superdrug tights and Clarks shoes c/o Sarenza

Worn for work on Wednesday (admin = more casual dressing) with some gorgeous earrings sent over from Lois at Petal Jewellery

Seriously...how pretty are these? Lois got in touch last week to introduce her shop, Petal and I fell in love with these sweet earrings, and even sweeter price of £4! There are some lovely pieces on her site, split in to three collections; Original, Fairytale and Prestige. The handmade beauties make an affordable and pretty treat for yourself, or for Christmas gifts, I'd be delighted to unwrap anything made by Lois!

What's your favourite from Lois' site?

How's the Christmas shopping going?

Do you have any idea how wonderful you all are? Thank you so much for the supportive comments on yesterdays post. Don't forget to enter my giveaway with Matalan.

It's a New Day

I think we've all experienced it; and if we haven't...we all will. That moment when you know things must change and you simply can't carry on burying your head in the sand.

For me, that day was Monday...and I'd like to send out a massive thank you to my friends on twitter and facebook for being there with the words of support and encouragement, and to everyone who has supported me over the last couple of years.

Who's going to join me in a fresh start? In realising there are some things in life that shouldn't be there to hold you back? With the festive season approaching I can think of no better time to take a deep breathe and just live.
I've wasted so many years holding myself back, and Monday...Monday made me take a step backwards and realise what truly matters.

Wearing: Zara floral shift, New Look tights, Jeffrey Campbell boots.

Why not start things off by entering my Matalan giveaway? You could win £30 to spoil yourself with.

xxx

A giveaway with Matalan!

Noone saw this one coming right? I mean, it's not as if I LOVE Matalan and talk about them all the time! The lovely folks behind the scenes have given me £30 to give away to one of you lucky lot to celebrate the launch of their festive TV advert...

All you need to do to enter is watch the advert and tell me which key piece would you buy from it, if you won the voucher?

Simple! You can shop the TV collection here 

Just leave a link and your e-mail address with a comment on this post for your chance to win.

My pick would be these Metal Detail Platform Shoes...a bargain at £20 (and Matalan make really comfy shoes!)

Giveaway open to UK readers and will close in two weeks, at 8pm, Tuesday 6th December...giving you time to shop for something to wear for festive celebrations!

Good Luck 

xxx

One for the Christmas List

Sorry for the influx of posts today, you see, I have a list of things I've seen, or e-mails I've been sent which I keep next to my laptop. It's one of those lists that only grows, it never shrinks and every so often I realise how much of a slacker I am when it comes to sharing these things...and so days like today happen, when I have a quiet day off and a chance to finally catch up!

Even I, the hair hopeless one was excited to see that GHD have come out with a hairdryer. I know that there are so many brands out there with fantastic hair tools, but hands down, I do get the best finish when GHDs have been involved.

Developed in conjunction with professional styling experts, the new ghd air is designed to help you unlock the secret to a gorgeous salon blow dry, every day. Featuring a powerful professional motor and advanced ionic technology, it delivers exceptionally fast drying and styling while helping to reduce frizz, leaving your hair soft and silky. Whether you’re looking for quick, sleek, smooth results or fabulous, impactful volume, ghd air puts the salon power in your hands. It’s the perfect companion to the other ghd styling tools and makes sure you leave the house looking beautifully glamorous.

Some of it's many claims include:

Advanced Ionic Technology: for reduced frizz and a silkier, softer finish

Cool shot button: for a quick blast of cool air to fix your look in place

Salon strength AC motor: for more powerful drying

2 concentrator nozzles: helping to create a wide variety of styles

Ergonomic design: for easy handling and maximum control

With a price of £99 this is definitely one to be asking Santa for! Direct him to ghdhair.com NOW!

xxx

J'Adore

My shoe obsession has become one of blogging's worst kept secrets and when a lovely lady called Juliette sent me an e-mail last week I knew I was doomed.

Juliette has recently launched a French website for made-in-France bespoke shoes; Pictured above are my favourites from the gallery on the website www.dessinemoiunsoulier.com

 

"Dessine-moi un soulier (which could be translated as “Draw me a shoe”) was born a year ago, after growing in its founders hearts for a long time. Alma (25 years old, bubbly and eccentric) and Juliette (26, passionate and fashionaholic) decided to take a break from... Everything! To live a fantastic shoe filled adventure.


We were dreaming about creation, drawing our own designs, wearing very unique shoes that nobody would have except us... But we were also dreaming of quality, getting back to the old tradition of craftmenship.
So we have created a website where you can design your own women shoe, and that will be handcrafted in South of France. A fashion and ethic project with one goal: Quality Glamour Comfort."

To find out how to create your shoe, prices, shipping ... and all that important stuff, pay a visit to the website (which you can translate in to English) and have a read of the FAQ 

The shoes may not be every day affordable, but to have a pair that no-one else owns? Well, that's kind of priceless!

xxx

Be Kind (to your boobs)

WOMEN COMPROMISE HEALTH AND POSTURE FOR ILL FITTING UNDERWEAR


43% of UK women have never had their bra fitted

30% of women are not happy with their bust

71% of women in the UK have been up to 5 different bra sizes in their lifetime

Men and women agree that the buxom hourglass silhouette of the 50s is most admired (31%) over super-skinny look of the 90s

Research* commissioned by luxury lingerie specialist Rigby & Peller to mark its 50th anniversary, today lifts the lid on the women’s attitudes to their most debated feature – their bust. With 80% of the UKs women wearing the wrong sized bra, it’s no surprise that the research shows just under half (43%) have never been professionally fitted for a bra. But what makes that revelation even more interesting is the fact that over two thirds (71%) of women have been up to FIVE bra sizes in their lifetime** – with puberty, yo-yo dieting and pregnancy all part of the cause.

After five decades of helping women achieve a perfectly fitted bra to improve their health and well being, results showing that a third of all women (30%) are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts don’t come as a surprise to Rigby & Peller. This coupled with the fact that a third of women clearly avoid the purchase of new bras (34% have not purchased a new bra in the past 12 months) goes a long way to explain the love-hate relationship many women have with this part of their anatomy.

Encouragingly however, it seems that the fuller figure is still top of the wish list where both men and women are concerned. With both sexes opting for the hourglass 50’s pin up look (50%) over the super-skinny look of the 90’s (3%) it will come as no surprise that Marylin Monroe (31%) and Kelly Brook (30%) topped the charts as most admired celebrity silhouette.

Having been in the business for over 50 years, fitting women from sight alone and without the use of a tape measure, Rigby & Peller Owner Mrs June Kenton comments: "Breast sizes have increased significantly over the past 50 years with an increase in demand for smaller back sizes, however there is a common misconception that only large breasted ladies need to be concerned about a well fitted bra. No matter their size or shape we want women to understand how dramatically they can improve their quality of life and general well being by having a bra that is properly fitted and well made – it is staggering how many women stick to one size throughout their lifetime.”

Rigby & Peller caters for sizes from 30A to 48N, with the average Rigby & Peller bra containing 38+ components compared to just 16 in an average bra. In addition to lingerie Rigby & Peller also offers swimwear, sports bras and nightwear in addition to a mastectomy range and made-to-measure service. Visit http://www.rigbyandpeller.com/ for more information and store locations.

* Research carried out by Atomik Research 1,001 women and 435 men

** From the age of 18 (the average age a woman’s body stops developing)

And just look at spme of  the gorgeous bras Rigby & Peller have to offer!

I don't live near a Rigby & Peller but I will definitely be going for a bra fitting in the near future. What have your bra fitting experiences been? Ever been totally surprised by what size you actually are?


xxx

dress down

Next jeans, Matalan cardi, Peacocks tee and Betty London boots. Perfect attire for a Sunny Saturday lunch date and shopping spree with some of my favourite girls.


A chilled out weekend was the perfect remedy to a manic week. Another week at work and then I'm off for a week of Christmas preparations with my Mum...as nice as it'd be to jet off for some winter sun, a week at home getting festive, rounded off with a day trip to Birmingham is exactly what I am craving.

Speaking of Birmingham...must visit shops? Places to eat? General tips?

Happy Monday

xxx

A Make Up Post

I am by no means a beauty blogger, I'll make that clear from the start! I love makeup, but over the last couple of years have spent less and less time trying new products and generally making much of an effort. Recently I've found myself getting sucked back in to it, and with all the buzz around a few new products, I found myself making a few lunchtime purchases.

Boots 17 Range is a brand I've grown up with, and I hate to admit, become rather snobbish about over the years. Recently they've hopped back on my radar with the release of the magnetic nail polishes (which I have, but haven't reviewed) and the latest beauty buzz...BB cream. I was actually quite surprised to see my tiny, local Boots stock the BB cream; they so rarely get the new items in. They also had the new metallic eyeshadows, and with the lot being on 3 for 2 I grabbed the BB cream and two eyeshadows; the bronze and the silver.
I don't know what I expected from the BB cream, especially compared to my usual foundation, but I do really like how it makes my skin look; smooth and clear. I picked up the light shade and due to my extreme pale-ness I half anticipated turning orange, but this wasn't the case and I will be purchasing this again.
The metallic eyeshadows are lovely. Unlike so many cream eyeshadows they don't crease or slide off during the day. I've been wearing the copper a lot, either on it's own or as a base for powder eyeshadows. Again, I'd re-purchase and will probably pick up more shades.

A few other products I've been loving are L'oreals superliner crystal, which is my dream liquid eyeliner. The crystal effect is subtle; barely metallic and I love it for it's slightly less harsh look.
Rimmel ScandalEyes has become my new HG mascara, the photos above showing just one coat of it. I've already bought a backup.
Blusher wise, I'm loving ELF studio cream blush in flirt. There was much outcry over the price of this, at £6.50 it's one of their more expensive products, but it is hands down the most flattering cream blusher I have ever used!

What products are you loving right now? Which new releases must I try...and which should I ignore?
xxx