Lovely Jumper

With a 20% discount off anything from the new Hobbs AW13 range I really could not resist this lovely little jumper, so soft, so lovely.

Ren Skincare

Following my recent visit to Space NK, I decided it was high time to start taking more care of my skin. I expect that it was pure sales patter which made me leave feeling like I should really be using eye creams and use expensive moisturising cream to maintain a fresh face but spending a lifetime washing my face with soap and going to bed with make-up on really cannot be good. With this cold, wintery weather fully on board, my usually dry skin has now turned into a parched, grainy landscape. Now is surely the time to delve into the scary world of skincare which has deluded me for so long. With sensitive skin, I felt it was important to invest in some good quality creams which are as natural as possible, this is why I have settled upon Ren.

So here it is, my new daily skin routine. Eye cream in the morning and evening, cleansing to remove make-up BEFORE bedtime and a rich moisturiser under my By Terry foundation on a daily basis. Fingers crossed this goes well.

 

Red Onion Chutney

This weekend I made my second batch of chutney, this time caramelised red onion. We have to wait at least one whole month before we crack it open, to taste it at it's best. Cant wait to smother this all over rich, oozy cheese!

Three Floor

Really lusting after this jumpsuit from Three Floor, perfect for the Winter party season.

Carluccios

My lovely friend Vicky and I had a lovely natter, putting the world to rights over coffee and nibbles last weekend at Carluccio's in Bristol. I'd thoroughly recommend it for a mid ay treat.

Naughty Brekkie

Aint nothing like a naughty breakfast to kick start a gloomy day.

The Statement Necklace

I have recently been spending a bit more time exploring the wonders of ebay and just couldn't resist this bold, ethnic inspired necklace.

Beerd

With my friend Georgia recently taking up residence in Cotham, we are now on a mission (be it rather slow) to get to know the area and try out the local eateries and drinking establishments. Last night, it was the turn of Beerd. A cute, cosy, cafe style restaurant specialising in beers (it's a Bath Ales pub) and pizza. A great combo really and with the tempting offer of two for one pizzas on a Monday, it really just had to happen. The pizza's were tasty (although a bit mean on the chili) and an offering of basil oil, chili oil and garlic mayo was gladly accepted. A fab, budget friendly place to go with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, I'll definitely be back.

Chutney

I had been saying all over the Summer that I was going to start making Chutney. What with our bumper tomato harvests of 2013 and my general love of condiments, it just had to happen at some point. I was pretty pleased with the results when I finally got around to it as Autumn came. A spicy, sweet tomato chutney which is now almost finished. Time to make another I think...

By Terry

With the cold weather encroaching on us, my skin has started to feel really dry and scaly and my usual Mac Pro-Longwear foundation was starting to look a bit cloggy. As it was payday weekend, I thought I'd take a trip to Space NK to get some advice and find myself a luxuriously moisturising foundation to cure my lizard like skin and make it radiant and glowing! I tried a few different brands, but typically the most expensive one felt the best. I decided to settle on By Terry Sheer-Expert and Touche Veloutee. The Sheer-Expert foundation (in honey beige) glides on like silk and has a very sheer, dewy finish. The Touche Veloutee, just helps with grey under-eye areas. Both are very lightweight so don't provide heavy coverage, this is what I was looking for though, very pleased and highly recommended!

Tyntesfield

Satisfying my granny tendencies, my friend Georgia and I recently took a trip to Tyntesfield, where i was seriously impressed with the beautiful blooms and amazing kitchen garden.

Davines

My new haircare regime, Davines Nounou Shampoo and Conditioner. Natural, organic, delicious and most importantly my hair feels so much softer and healthy.

Dapper chap-ess

I absolutely adore brogues, they are the perfect everyday shoe. I quite like the mannish trend and think my new Topshop Monk Shoes would look fab with a pair of smart black tapered trousers and a fancy shirt.

Spring Summer 2014 - My Picks

It seems that masculine tailoring is set to dominate trends over the next six months at least which 'suits' me very well indeed. Sharp jackets are given a rocky edge, worn with black leather trousers and skirts, or tapered trousers, cummerbunds and skinny ties. There is definitely still a femininity peeking through this sometimes stark monochrome, minimalism, with floaty, floral printed and sheer chiffon's, gemstone colours and pastels all contrasting yet comfortably nestling into this business-like, power dress.

Yves Saint Laurent
Grey and black mannish suiting combines with leather, pointy shoes, skinny ties for a confident and almost 80's mod feel. Sheer blouses offer a softer alternative to stiff buttoned up shirts.

Veronique Branquinho

Silky, satin fabrics in incredibly pale and subtle pastel shades bring us refreshingly out of the winter months with an optimistic look towards lighter, brighter climes. Gorgeous draped soft tailoring, shorts and dungarees look effortless with an almost Edwardian nod in the form of puff sleeves and high necklines.

Elie Saab
Stunning, 3d Chiffon creations in muted tones of coral, emerald, ruby and white are worn long and loose with sweeping wide leg trousers, full skirts and sometimes body-conscious dresses and more structured panelling. Lace makes a welcome comeback for 2014, along with floral printed hems, heavy sequin embellishment which sometimes evoke Spanish Flamenco dancing on warm Summer evenings.

Paule Ka

High street friendly, i can see many of these funky silhouettes and colours translate directly to the UK market. The simple lines, cut out detailing, midi-skirts, black and white, coral, playful prints, full skirts, body-con dresses, ruched satin and a pop of bright fuchsia to boot, it is completely wearable with a flirty, girly feel.

Christian Dior

Raf Simmons has pretty much everything covered this season! There are floaty chiffon set against structured tailoring, floral prints, criss-cross layered effects, satins, candy pink, pastels, sheer organza, statement necklaces, pleats, stripes, one shoulder cuts, oranges, greens, powder blue, cummerbunds, high waisted shorts and trousers. Phew, it all works cleverly combining masculine and feminine details for an eclectic, rich look.

What an inspirational journey. I'm very temped in invest in a knitted, candy pink jumper to see me through the winter and into next year, a pair of high waisted black trousers and maybe even some leather. I'll also be pulling out my slinky, floral printed shirt from Zara to soften a quirky masculine look. Pleats are something I've not yet ventured into but I think i may travel down that path sometime very soon.

Boozy Weekend

Last weekend was a real laugh. We held a dinner party which was rather boozy and involved lots of silly synchronised dancing. Been on a bit of a detox this week.

Day Out In London

We had a fab day out in London last week. Munching our way through some amazing food at Borough Market (so enthralled was I, that I didn't even get a chance to photograph it), a visit to the Tate Modern, The Hayward Gallery, stroll through Hyde Park, past Buckingham Palace, ending in dinner and amazing Italian gelato at Brixton Market with some great friends.

Whitstable

On a cool, grey and blustery day we took a trip to Whitstable in Kent. A quaint, English seaside resort with miles of pebbly beach, winding lanes and alleys and some beautiful freshly caught seafood. Even though we visited on a ghostly, quiet, and rather grim day weatherwise, this sweet place still had a great deal of unspoilt charm.

Gola

Loving Chris's new Gola trainers.

Double Denim

Double Denim, just felt right today.

Catwalk

Last night my beautiful pal Felicity and I were lucky enough to attend the Bath Spa University graduate fashion show which was set in the stunningly beautiful Assembly Rooms in Bath. We were treated to an array of floaty chiffons, daring PVC neon creations and luxe sportswear. It is always a truly inspirational event and I'm already looking forward to next year.

Pizza Monday

Just before we met our lovely new landlady, Chris and I decided to take advantage of the two pizzas for £11 night at the Hen And Chicken in Bedminster, just a stones throw from our sweet new home. They were very tasty and went down very well with a yummy pint of Bath Ales Gem.

Nike X Liberty

These new Nike X Liberty trainers and definitely high up on my lust list right now. I absolutely love Liberty fabrics and have many fond memories of meeting my friend Georgia, nipping into the store and perving on the haberdashery section after work when I was living in London.

 

Gola are also collaborating with Liberty with a range of equally delightful trainers which would be perfect for Summer. Which to choose though!

Where has all the sunshine gone?

The day my lovely new, geeky sandals arrived from Topshop this week, the heavens opened and as I splattered my way from work to the car park, I dreamt of those sunny days which came and went so quickly. I know it will be back, but I wish it would just hurry up.