What Phase Eight did next...Blenheim

I've gone from barely acknowledging Phase Eight to being on constant alert for their latest e-mails arriving in my inbox.

The latest transitional collection has well and truly captivated me...
(that along with their Christmas collection and some truly special shoes)

Blenheim, a transitional story which draws upon the casual aesthetic of the heritage trend.  The collection works just as well for lazy weekends in the countryside,

as it does for the office, fusing desk-to-dinner dressing with smart daywear pieces.  Intarsia knits and draped jersey dresses in a palette of soft grey, cornflower blue

and taupe sit against digital floral prints in crushed raspberry and basic black.

Every piece in the collection is stunning but these three dresses I've shown above are truly special. The top dress is called "Belle" and costs £99. In the middle we have my absolute favourite, "Heart Prints Dress" costing £79 and last but not least the "Harlequin" at a middling price of £85.

Well, that's my little mid-week love post complete. Which of these dresses is your favourite? Which brands have you rediscovered lately?

xxx

Sixties Chic

Matalan dress (last year), C&A top, Yull Chelsea boots.

I haven't worn this dress in ages as up until now it hung off of me in a shapeless sack like fashion and I had forgotten just how much I loved it! This is the first outfit I have worn in a while that I've felt ok in, I hate this transitional stage but it is only temporary and everything else going on in my life right now is making it worthwhile (foot injury aside!)
Again I have ditched the crutches for these photos, I have some impressive bruising to my arms and I'm counting down the days until I can get rid of them!

Happy Halloween folks; who has spooky plans? It's all quiet here, I've never really done much for the day apart from a party once upon a time. I'm at work this morning, on the early start no less. I'm doing a phlebotomy clinic and am taking in some monster chocolates to make it more fun for my patients and this afternoon I am going to my friend Ellie's to carve pumpkins, but that's as far as it goes.

How sweet does Mae look in this photo? Looks are properly deceiving as she is being a little monster lately but with a face like that all is forgiven.

xxx

Blue (Inc)

Cat: truly one of a kind, Jumper c/o Blue Inc, Jeans; Oasis, Shoes; TOMS

I'm so in love with this new jumper kindly sent to me by Blue Inc. I'd never shopped with them before but had browsed the website which sells everything from men's chinos to women's t-shirts. At the moment they have some truly covetable knits and wonderfully low prices so come payday I think my visits to the site will become even more frequent.

I wore this outfit on Saturday for a lazy day. There was minor trauma when I put these jeans on and realised how much more snug they are these days, but that's the aim of the game right now and I need to get my head around it and get used to it. I'm just under half way on the weight gain front and can't afford to replace my entire wardrobe just yet..I do intend to do some serious shopping once I'm there though!

((Sorry to bang on, I'm trying to rationalise and come to terms with things))

You might have noticed the lack of crutches in these photos...I'm sick of the bloody things so decided to do some one legged posing instead, haa. I seriously cannot believe I ever thought those things could be fun!

Anyway,
back to the subject in hand...you'd do well to check out Blue Inc's footwear too...I've spied some amazing ankle boots at a price too good to pass up!
Have you shopped there before? What's made it on to your wish list?

Don't forget there's only a day left to enter the giveaway...

xxx

P.S. is my blog layout looking off to anyone else? I'm not sure what's going on!

...and relax

(source)

Life has been more than a little chaotic lately, probably more so than it has ever been. I'm relishing this of course as it's the ultimate testament to how far I have come in the last six months but it has left me exhausted and in need of some serious pampering. The idea of a day of pampering and relaxation is more than a tad bit appealing and I'm putting serious consideration in to putting in a request for Spa hotel vouchers from Santa! I actually live not very far from some wonderful Spas, including the very well known one at Bath but before now the idea hasn't really appealed, or rather not seemed relevant to me, I've never craved total relaxation before and never felt like having some in my personal space providing a massage or facial but right now it's all I can think about and it seems like a fitting reward for my hard work in changing my body for the better (it may help me come to terms with it more, too)

With my Mum's 50th Birthday looming I'm loving the idea of a Mother/Daughter packaging...you can't beat a gift with benefits!

Have you ever had a Spa day before? Where have you gone and how did you find it? What do you do when you are in need of some rest and relaxation and have you ever made any treatments at home?

TEACH ME HOW TO RELAX dammit, I am pretty hopeless!

xxx

Sarenza Shoe of the Week

I call this "the sensible shoe" edit. I wasn't even going to do a Sarenza shoe of the week this week, or any week until my foot has healed; even the thought of my beloved collection makes my toes scream...but these, any of these beauties I think I could soon cope with. I'm loving both of the pairs of brogues for the fact they will support my poor foot whilst it finishes it's fixing, the sparkly ones are especially fab but the burgundy are perhaps more wearable for every day and will go with all manner of colours (making them worth the price tag).As an introduction back to heels I am coveting the star studded low shoes by KG, utterly beautiful and they must at some point be owned by me.
Should I ever make it out for an evening then these Sam Edelman flats would fit the bill.

It sounds stupid, but I am getting really down and out about not being able to wear what I want both on my feet, and as a consequence for my outfits. I never thought myself shallow but it's recently become apparent just how much I rely on how I dress myself to get me through the down days.

What are your shoe solutions for me? Other than a massive Sarenza haul that is!

xxx

Wore it Pink

Well, hello dodgy lighting; thankfully the change in the clocks meant both an extra hour in bed AND lighter mornings which should make things a little clearer.

Friday was wear it pink 2012 as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month and Mum I embraced the moment by pulling on our pinkness for work in turn for a donation made online (our workplace in general wasn't taking part, which was a shame!)

I pulled out this bargain H&M skirt (£3!) and toned it down a little with a black Primark jumper and my Yull Chelsea boots which my foot has since decided actually really aren't ok and I had to resort to Toms. Apparently it could be 6-8 weeks before I am more comfortable, thankfully only three of those will be on these bloody sticks...and it could be longer still before I am pain free in "proper" shoes. Bad news for this shoe addict, I have a beautiful pair of boots from Sarenza that I haven't even been able to try on...I know what I'll be living in the second I can! I guess this month my ambassador voucher will be going on supportive flats; lace up brogues perhaps? I'm trying to stay positive, and I'm getting on with day to day life but the pain is starting to really get to me and affect how well I'm coping with my anorexia recovery mission too. These things are sent to try us though and I WILL come out of with with a smile on my face and meat on my bones.

I hope you enjoyed the extra hour in bed.

Did you wear it pink on Friday?

xxx

Dressing up Dolly

One of my vague and random childhood memories involves Usborne book parties hosted by my Mum and her friends, I remember coveting all of the beautiful books and marvelling at how interesting and attractive they were. Fast forward twenty years and I am pleased to say things haven't changed; Usborne still produce visually stunninng and facutal books as proven by "Historical Sticker Dolly Dressing: 1920s Fashion".

Although probably aimed at a younger age group this book also holds great appeal for fashion fans too. With over 200 stickers to choose from...everything from divine flapper dresses and to sumptuous winter coats and a whole host of scenarios you can create your own outfits whilst learning a bit about the era too, the twenties have always fascinated me so this book is right up my street.

The book retails at a bargain £5.99 (here) and would be a brilliant gift for young and old alike. There is also a pintrest page to accompany the launch so get following.

The only downside of this book is that it's so pretty and I don't want to ruin that by messing around with the stickers; I want to leave it intact forever.

Which fashion era fascinates you most?
Massive thank you to Usborne for sending me a copy of this.
xxx

Ax Paris Discount

Go forth and shop!

xxx

Daisy Chain Dreaming: Gadget Girl

Just a bit of a fun/random post for once, a break away from the outfits and fashion related things and moving in to Christmas gadgets and toys in the hope that Santa might be reading!

I really, REALLY want one of these mini snack dispensers for my desk at work; or maybe even the front desk; the perfect way to pacify poorly and frustrated patients (and an increasingly more stressed Laura?!) I think so! I wouldn't say no to one in my bedroom either...or the kitchen, landing and pretty much everywhere; what would you fill one with? It'd have to be M&Ms for me I think, or jelly beans, or maybe both.

The crafty cat bank appeals to the crazy cat lady in me and would probably scare the crap out of Mae. It meows whenever you pop some money in so would be fantastic to encourage saving loose change (trust me, doing so pays, Mum and I regulary go shopping thanks to emptying our piggy bank of silver coins) and it pounces on the coins when you drop them on the plate. Ok, so I'm a five year old at heart but who cares!

And who cares that this ride on trike is aimed at 4-7 year olds (I'd have loved this as a kid, my Dad's a policeman!) I want it now, I could whizz down the corridors at work minus the crutches blaring the siren sounds to clear people out of my way. Ok, so whizzing might not be the most apt word given that the top speed is 1.5mph but it'd be less painful than the crutches and the novelty factor would take at least a week to wear off.

If you were to write an alternative wish list what would be on it? I do like to indulge my inner child from time to time and I really am hoping for a snack dispenser in my life soon.

xxx

Beige

Dorothy Perkins dress, TOMS shoes. Feeling a bit blah about outfits at the moment. The fun has been taken out of getting dressed when you can only wear certain shoes, it doesn't feel complete and worth the effort. I snagged this dress in the earlier this year for £7. In an ideal world it'd be pair with some snazzy tights and heeled ankle boots but this did ok for a work day. Maybe it's the injury, maybe it's the weather or maybe it's feeling suddenly insecure about my changing shape and size but I just don't feel right lately. Fingers crossed I get my outfit mojo back soon, shoes/foot or not!

Well,
we made it Friday and today is Wear it Pink day too so you can bet I'm making the most of that. This weekend will be spent doing not much at all, I was supposed to be going out with some gorgeous Bristol/Bath blogger ladies tonight but I don't think I'm going to be able to make it.

Sorry for throwing such a pity party today (and every day!) I do feel my blog is quite dire lately and it can never compete (not that I blog for those kind of reasons) with the gorgeous girls with beautiful outfits and amazing photography. I hate it when I get like this, October is never an easy month but it's almost over so things can only go upwards from here.

What do you do when things feel a bit blah? Do you have weekend plans?

Mae always puts a smile on my face with her bizarre behaviour and all round cuteness.
xxx

Gifting Guide: Ask Her Friends

Sorry folks, I'm afraid it's that time of the year when I start getting organised and planning some posts to help solve any Christmas shopping problems you may be facing. I'm kicking off by introducing you to a fab little website that was bought to my attention a couple of weeks ago...

Ask Her Friends


"An end to gifting disaster

Are you a girl who is bored of receiving the same "practical" or "interesting" gifts from the guy in your life? Do you wish he would be a little more imaginative or romantic? You aren't alone with a massive 40%* of women claiming to have been disappointed with gifts last Christmas. This is where AskHerFriends.com comes in, aiming to decrease this percentage and increase female happiness.

A brand new, online gift-giving experience that helps guys finally get it right with gifts for their special ladies, AskHerFriends uses social media to rally together those who know her best and turns them into his own personal team of advisers. It's simple ?he signs up, chooses from a wide variety of gifts and experiences on offer and puts them onto his Advice List, which is then sent via e-mail or Facebook to her friends. They can then rate and comment on his choices, thereby deciding which of them she will love the most. He has the confidence that she'll love what he has chosen and she's delighted with her new gift.

Specialising in beautiful, unique products from cool boutiques such as Coulson Macleod, Tatty Devine and Milli Millu, AskHerFriends ensures that she gets something truly special but it's more than just another online shopping service. AskHerFriends also helps spark inspiration with the Experts' Blog, featuring ideas and tips on gift-buying as well as stories about the best and worst presents ever received! Even if he's completely clueless, the Idea Map can guide his thoughts in the right direction.

AskHerFriends is the creation of founder Ben Blomerley, who set up the site after far too many gift disasters. He says: "I started asking my girlfriend's mum and friends for their advice, and they were really helpful. Then speaking to my mates I came to realise that I wasn't the only one getting it wrong in the gifting department. So I decided to bring all that together with AskHerFriends.com, and make the whole gifting process as easy and hassle-free for blokes as possible. Because when you do surprise your partner with the perfect gift, it's the best feeling!" An AskHerFriends app and sister site, AskHisFriends are also in construction.

*Survey of 139 female website visitors conducted between 11 January 2012 and 20 January 2012"


With the fast impending festive season and a couple of special Birthdays on the horizon I've been having a play around with the site and well, it's pretty damn great! You can really personalise the search to your exact limits and the gifts it comes up with cater for all tastes and budgets. I usually enjoy searching for the ultimate unique gift myself but sometimes you need a helping hand and I have Ask Her Friends at the top of my favourites tab for a quick bit of advice and inspiration.

Have you tried the site yet? I'd love to know what you think and how you over-come shoppers block.

xxx

Ultimate Accessory?!

Well, I'll admit that once upon a time I thought crutches might be fun. One day in and I'll be glad to see the back of them...nobody told me to expect my entire upper body to hurt from using long forgotten muscles (that, or I'm a super weakling) or to expect attractive bruising around both inner elbows. Still, on a plus side, my foot feels loads better from not constantly walking on it.

Dug out my favourite Matalan jumper dress that I got for super cheap last year. I did have Toms on my feet at one point...the shoe situation is dire, the hospital warned me it could be 6-8 weeks before I can get my feet in to anything but flats/low supportive boots, shoe ban aside I am so buying a new pair once I can wear them!

Also wanted to add in a quick shout-out to the Bristol Royal Infirmary. A&E gets a bad rep but I couldn't have asked for quicker, more efficient service there or a lovelier nurse. They already won me over by taking such good care of my Nan when she spent some time in there, well done NHS, well done.

Anyone got any tips on how to make these things more capable? Tell me about your oddest accidents.

((Totally milking this for all it's worth, tea on demand, doors held open...YES PLEASE!))

xxx

P.S. don't forget there are two giveaways happening...here and here.

Win with Caseable

Following on from the fabulous feedback on my Caseable post the other day I'm delighted to be able to offer you the chance to win $50 to spend creating a custom case of your very own,
To enter you just need to follow the simple steps below...Good Luck, this is a great prize and I want to see whatever the winner creates.

If you can't wait to see if you are the chosen one, or fancy a treat then Caseable are offering all readers of the blog a 15% discount on all orders placed between now and October 31st (also closing date for the giveaway). To get this you just need to enter lauraforcaseable at the checkout.

a Rafflecopter giveaway xxx

Fantasy Shopper

This isn't the first time I have featured the website Fantasy Shopper on the blog, I gave it a mention when it first launched and I think it's about time I re-visited.
I admit the site kind of fell off my radar for a little while, life got in the way and as much as I enjoyed pretend shopping and putting together outfits I didn't really have time for it. A few weeks ago the folks behind Fantasy Shopper sent me an e-mail and this prompted me to take another look and WOW things have changed. The site looks cleaner and fresher and has far more to it than six months ago. Signing up is free and simple and once registered you can get straight in to the shopping; building up a dream wardrobe from a huge selection of our favourite highstreet retailers. You can also pop together outfits- either planning for a real life event or just for fun, discover new trends and create endless wishlists!

Everyday Fantasy Shopper holds a new event during which they give a theme that you then create an outfit for. There are prizes up for grabs; vouchers and clothes and a sense of fun and indulgence.

It's really dangerous that I've re-found my love for this website, hours slip away caught up in a whirlwind of free shopping and creating outfits. My real life wishlist is growing by the day and I'm getting less done than ever. Fantasy Shopping indeed.

Have you tried the site yet? If not, why not? Give it a whirl and let me know what you think. I hope to connect with some of you on there, as if blogging and twitter weren't enough!

xxx

Cat lady v.247

How many cat jumpers do I own now? I'm not 100% sure to be honest but my Mum treated me to this beauty from ASOS when it went in to the sale, I love it! I wore it on Sunday with my Matalan skirt and Georgia Rose boots from Sarenza to limp around town with my lovely Ellie. Our Sunday adventures seem to have taken on a painful theme; piercings, tattoos and most recently eyebrow threading! I've watched her have hers done a couple of times and decided it brave it for myself this time...for £7 I'm a convert, I've never had such a thin brow before but I love it and will be keeping it up (yes Mum, I'm finally a proper girl!)

Thanks for the foot well wishes, took a speedy trip to A&E with best.friend. yesterday afternoon (less than an hour!) They confirmed no breaks but I have torn the ligaments under my toes and am on crutches for the next three weeks, oh my...I think this could cause MORE accidents!

Happy Wednesday folk, I'm off for my early shift at work and shall be demanding tea and sympathy all morning.

xxx

New from Flights of Nancy

Back in July I introduced you to the wonderful website Flights of Nancy and expressed my love of my leather holdall. That holdall has been much admired on my two flights this year (it really is the perfect travel bag, even burly security guards complimented it) and is much treasured by myself; I'll be using it for years to come and most likely handing it over to my firstborn child, that's how well made and loved it is!

Anyway,
The hardworking Natalie has been beavering away at updating the range and has a fabulous array of new arrivals to further tempt you and I...pictured are just my favourites, below are the details of the full range:

1. Large Yellow Messenger Bag with Batik Lining, £70

Described by one happy Flights of Nancy customer as "like carrying
sunshine around with you", the bag is ethically sourced and lined with
beautiful recycled batik. The leather is cow (we heard a rumour it was a
very mean cow if that helps...) while the innards feature an internal zip
compartment, a mobile phone pocket, and a magnet button closure. The
adjustable strap features five holes for folks of all sizes.


2. Medium Batik Lined Leather Messenger Bag in Yellow and Caramel,£60

The leather messenger bag with recycled batik lining is both handmade and
hand dyed. It features one internal zip pocket and mobile pocket.

Ethically sourced from Indonesia in partnership with small family owned
businesses, the Flights of Nancy messenger bag is the perfect iPad
accessory, trendy trend setter, or ideal for everyday use.

3. Medium Holdall with recycled batik lining - available in red brown, tanbrown and dark brown, £80

You said 'Gimme gimme gimme a holdall we can use every day!' And so we did.

The ethically sourced Flights of Nancy medium holdall is hand made and
dyed. Plus, take a wee peek inside where you'll find gorgeous recycled
batik lining.

Made of cow hide, the holdall measures 19.5CM X 25.5CM X 32CM. It holds
its classic,structured shaped beautifully, regardless of how you use and
abuse it.

4. Medium Stitched Detail Messenger with batik lining - available in
yellow and caramel, £60
The medium messenger bag features an adjustable strap - perfect for
wearing crossbody whatever your height. As with all Flights of Nancy
products, the bag is ethically sourced.

The leather is cow. Inside the messenger bag you'll find an internal zip
compartment and a magnet button closure.
 

awaiting a flight to Spain

You'll also find an updated version of my large leather holdall (with Batik rather than plain lining) coming soon!

Natalie is also branching in to holding Flights of Nancy parties, currently trialling in London only but they will make it futher afield if enough interest is there; if they come to the west country your all invited to mine!

Flights of Nancy Fan? Treat yourself. You won't regret it.

No title Tuesday

I'm quite a bit behind with outfit posts. I wore this dress from Next on Thursday or Friday I think, I lost track of the days. Worn with Georgia Rose boots c/o Sarenza and this beautiful Laura Ashley necklace which was part of my gift from the Blog Birthday Party last week.

I'm not digging this week, my foot and ankle have suddenly got quite a bit worse and the weather and general greyness of the world has got me down. Fingers crossed it's onward and upward from here! I wanted to thank everyone from the kind and thoughtful comments on recent posts, I've really been so touched by them, blogging friends are fabulous!

Well, I'd best get to work, a few hours to get through, a lunchtime meeting and then I'll most likely be heading down to A&E to get my foot checked out. In an ideal world I'd be resting with my foot up, but duty calls and I can't bear to let work down!

How has your week started off?

xxx