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5 Ways your Hair-Care Routine Should Change for Autumn

October 31, 2015, 1:29 am
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Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE autumn. I adore bundling myself up in cosy knitwear, drinking far too many cups of tea and hot chocolate and indulging in comfort food (no surprises as to what exactly... *ahem macaroni cheese*) but the change in temperature can be seriously confusing on your hair. Not just the texture, a change in dryness or frizz-levels, but also the colour! So here are some of my top tips for keeping your hair looking and feeling fresh and healthy over the coming months!


Up the Moisture!


You know how your skin gets dry and kinda itchy when the temperature drops? It's not sexy, I know, and the same goes for your hair. The transition between Summer and Autumn is when it is so vital to add a hair mask and switch up your shampoo and conditioner to help your hair adjust to the change in temperature. The Ojon Moisture Therapy Conditioner does exactly that, and it's packed with 7 nourishing oils which leave even the driest of locks feeling soft and hydrated after just one use. I find that it really prevents my ends especially from drying out, and all of the seriously luxe ingredients such as African Shea, Mango Seed Butters and Jojoba Oil work wonders to my stressed out hair. Another range which uses oils to keep the moisture levels of your hair in tip top condition is the Oleo Radiance range from TRESemmé - I've been using this three times a week to keep my hair consistently conditioned.


Use Natural Ingredients


Products with natural ingredients will prevent your hair from drying out, as they don't strip your hair of oils like some synthetic and alcohol based ingredients do. I love to use the Aveda Thickening Tonic to amp up my hairs volume, and it's made from naturally-derived ingredients which my hair just loves! 

Go Darker


Summer is synonymous with sun-kissed hair, but colder weather means less time outside, and those highlights fade! You can beat nature's effects on your hair by taking your hair darker by a shade or two, which means the transition happens more evenly. I recently spoke to the colour experts at Paul Edmonds who advised that I added a mocha tone to my bright blonde locks, to tone it down a little but without loosing that vibrant blonde shade that I absolutely love. Coloured hair needs extra attention, and I always have a little pot of the Toni & Guy Serum Drops in my handbag - you only need the tiniest amount to prevent flyaway hairs, add shine and also condition and protect hair from dropping temperatures when you're out and about.



Look after the Ends!

By upping your shampoo and conditioner game in the ways I mentioned above, you'll already have a head start with the condition of the ends of your hair. Sometimes though, it is just too late!!! I've actually discovered a product which works to seal and repair split ends, not just prevent them, so if you've already let your hair get a little out of control, then I highly highly recommend the Loreal Expert Sealing Repair serum. I add a couple of pumps before I blow-dry and then again when my hair is dry, it seals the ends straight away so your hair looks and feels smooth and frizz free.

Amp up the Oil


I think we've just about tackled the stigma around using oils in your skincare routine if you've got oily or combination skin (oil reduces oil production and all that), and the same goes for your hair. Don't be afraid of using products with oil in, your hair needs the added moisture and nourishment provided by hair oils as the temperature changes and by adding oil to your routine, your hair follicles won't need to create so much - meaning your hair is conditioned but not greasy. Another product in the TRESemme Oleo Radiance range which I love is the Radiance Oil Elixir. It adds such a beautiful illumination to your hair that makes even the driest locks look as though they've had a pricey hair treatment, and it never, ever feels greasy. 

How do you Switch Up your haircare routine in Autumn?

xoxo



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The Tasting Menu at Roux at Parliament Square

November 1, 2015, 1:46 am
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One day, I hope that visiting restaurants run by Michelin Star chefs will be just a normal part of life. Whenever I fancy it, just calling up and booking a table, dressing up in my finery and sipping on cocktails and dining on the finest food without a care in the world. It's experiences like this that give me the motivation to succeed, be ambitious, but for now, experiences such as an evening enjoying the tasting menu at Michel Roux's Roux restaurant at Parliament Square, bookable through Virgin Experiences, really are just the most special treat. 

Set within a Grade-II listed building in the heart of Westminster, stepping into the Roux restaurant almost felt like stepping into the home of an aristocratic relative - with paintings on the walls and a cosy fireplace, it felt more living-room than Michelin restaurant, but something about the atmosphere made us relax a little, after all, I have to say I was a little nervous stepping into the dining place of London's most powerful MPs and socialites!



In contrast to the white wash room, the first dishes to be presented to us were full of colour - the result of a new head chef; Masterchef winner Steve Groves. It took a lot of will-power not to narrate the food to myself as I expect Michel Roux would have done had he been judging each course, "exceptional presentation, smooth consistency... good". But to my far less experienced palette, our appetisers alone could not be faulted - the Butternut Squash mousse topped with a swirl of goats cheese followed by slow roasted beetroot with toasted seeds and more Tymsboro goats cheese were both tiny but full of taste; leaving us wanting more.









Next on the tasting menu was a Roast Scottish langoustine with prawn tortellini and coastal vegetables, followed by a Carbonara of squid and smoked bacon and confit egg yolk but as a non seafood lover my next few courses were expertly swapped with a Mushroom flatbread tarta fine with mixed vegetables and a creamy truffle mousse, and lamb hogget. The kitchen had taken old recipes and given them new light - all dishes which you'd seen on many menus before, but nothing like this. I may not be a professional food critic but I found it hard to fault any of the dishes.

Confit of Suckling Pig was our final savoury course, it arrived looking like an artistic structure - a thick slab of the meat covered in crisp skin, with a small smattering of light vegetables and a tasty jus. We could tell that a lot of thought had gone into the choice of dish - as a Masterchef veteran the chef is no stranger to the importance of presentation and it came across in each and every dish.



Just when we thought that we could eat no more, the cheese trolley arrived. We couldn't resist. We chose from the vast selection and they were presented to us with crackers and breads - each of which was chosen to perfectly compliment our cheese choices! (And there's me thinking that Jacobs Crackers will do for any type of cheese... apparently not!) Finally, a Monbazillac poached pair with almond, chamomile and fennel, but we had to admit defeat and opted to share our final course.

The service throughout was formal yet familiar, and the staff were experts on each dish that they served. If I owned the place I'd give the decoration a spruce, because the ambience inside the restaurant didn't do justice to the fabulous dishes which we enjoyed. Overall, an exceptional experience and a celebration of seriously spectacular food. 

Our visit to Michel Roux at Parliament Square Tasting Menu for Two was courtesy of Virgin Experiences.

xoxo

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Why You Should Update your Skincare Routine for Autumn

November 3, 2015, 12:38 am
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Your skincare routine in many ways is a little bit like your wardrobe - as the seasons change, we should switch out the pieces that don't fit for the changing temperature, as much as we swap our shorts for our jumpers, we should be swapping our moisturisers and serums for something a little more weather appropriate too.

For many, sticking to one moisturiser all year round seems like the safest option when you think you've found 'the one', but not only does the weather change in autumn, but so does our skin and how it reacts to the change in temperature, and even our hormones, so it's important to pick out new products for different seasons. So what should you do to transform your beauty regime from the summer warmth to the autumn crisp chill?

1. Personalise your Skincare Routine!

When putting together a new skincare routine, consider your age, the climate you live in (humid? urban?) your skin type, and how your skin reacts to new products. As a 23 year old living in central London with combination skin that's easily agitated, I need a cleanser that not only will thoroughly remove the dirt and buildup from days when I'm in the city centre, but also be calming to my skin which during the transition between Summer and Autumn always tends to flare up at the slightest change in ingredients. I've been using Sunday Riley's Blue Moon Cleanser - it's a pale blue hard balm in the midnight blue pot, but after warming between your fingers it melts on the skin into a soft balm, lifting away all my makeup and impurities - even on my eyes and lashes. It's perfect if your skin gets a little dry in Autumn, or if, like me, your skin becomes extra sensitised and irritated as it isn't stripping or drying - quite the opposite in fact. The Blue Tansy ingredient which gives the balm it's colour is also used to reduce irritation, so if chilly winds and central heating have stressed out your skin then this balm will soothe, nourish and hydrate - and with the heavenly smell it feels like a pampering treatment every time you use it.


Get Your Beauty Sleep

As skin can become agitated during the change in seasons, its more important than ever that we let skin recover at night. You don't need me to remind you that choosing a night cream, oil or serum that suits your skin type makes an incredible impact on the skin that you wake up with, so spend some time considering the best product for your skin's needs. A product which everyone, I mean everyone was raving about over the Summer months is Sunday Riley's Luna oil, and while I sometimes found it too powerful for Summer, my skin is craving it's skin perfecting abilities now that the temperature is changing. Also containing Blue Tansy like the cleansing balm, it battles any redness in the skin overnight, and your skin drinks in the oils also including Avocado and Chia leaving you with a glowing complexion the following morning. 


Up your Eye Game

Some eye products are just too powerful for the delicate under eye area during the warmer months, but in Autumn, brisk temperatures and often biting winds mean that your eye cream needs to seriously deliver. I've switched to the power-packed Premier Cru Eye Cream from Caudalie - it has revitalising and renewing effects on the delicate eye area and it combats by dark circles and puffiness with the signature blend of highly concentrated ingredients. The evenings drawing in and grey mornings may leave us feeling a little energy zapped, but at least our eyes won't be the tell-tale sign!



Give your Skin What It Wants

Your skin is pretty good at telling you what it wants and needs, and choosing a face mask to target those needs is often the quickest way of giving your skin the pick up that it needs. Clay masks are my favourite and I've been alternating between two recently - first, the L'Occitane Rebalancing Face Mask - the one to try if you want to give your skin a deep cleanse but don't love the tightness of clay masks. With a blend of vegetal and mineral powders, it removes impurities and tightens pores but the essential oils also rejuvenate skin and leave your skin feeling radiant and sebum free.
A mask which packs even more punch is the Chantecaille Detox Face Mask. When my skin is seriously stressed, I treat myself to this heavenly scented black clay mask, which noticeable improves skin tone and tightens pores but again without tightening or stripping skin. This one isn't cheap so I save it for times when my skin is in desperate need of a pick-me-up, and boy does this one deliver.

How do you update your skin for Autumn?

xoxo



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6 Things I Learnt From My Digital Detox

November 5, 2015, 12:01 am
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At first, it was like an annoying itch. An automatic movement of pulling my phone out of my bag, but then realising that the familiar 4G logo had vanished, the dreaded 'No Service' warning flashing before me. I'd tap open my instagram app without making any conscious decision to do so, only to see the same photo (a very Autumnal FWIS shot from one of my fave bloggers) at the top of my timeline, and 'No Network Connection' haunting me at the top of the screen.

We record everything we do online, by tweets, instagram images, and Snapchat stories. Not just bloggers either, everyone. Not only do your followers know where you are, but what you're up to, how you got there, who you're with, and with new apps like Snapchat and Periscope we are being watched by our followers in real time. But why do we feel this need to share our lives every second of the day? I am totally guilty, having my iPhone in my pocket with the ability to access the internet 24 hours a day is my safety net, or so I thought.




Exhausted from the constant interruption of emails, WhatsApp, Twitter notifications.. my addiction to the internet was wrecking my ability to focus, demolishing any chance of solid hours of productive work, and forcing unnatural levels of multitasking. I'd made efforts to 'detox' before, switching off my push notifications and only syncing my emails every few hours or so, but these efforts failed miserable and I just couldn't fight the urges. So, when I was challenged by Broadband Choices to ditch the internet for 24 hours, it seemed like a challenge I needed to try out. Of course being the weirdly organised person that I am, I prepared myself for the black out. I took screenshots of instructions for meeting points, warned my friends and family that I'd be reachable only by old fashioned text, and even set an Out of Office on my email. I was ready.

24 hours with no internet access began at 2pm, on Sunday November 1st, and here's what I learnt.


You relax.

Without the constant buzzing of a text, ping of an email, notification from instagram, twitter, YouTube and more, my shoulders slowly dropped, my breathing became deeper, I spoke more slowly. What was this phenomenon?! Oh wait, it's called relaxing. Although I'd been keeping myself busy (a trip to the cinema, visiting family, and even meeting some fellow bloggers to embark on a trip to North Yorkshire), I didn't feel stressed or anxious. That feeling like my 'To Do list' was looming somewhat disappeared. There was nothing I could do about my impending emails, so why not forget about them for a little while.


You Notice More

Constantly checking my notifications (and then, when I'm done, going back to Instagram to check the new ones) makes you less aware of the moment you're living in. Without my phone, I actually paid attention to the surroundings instead of what was on my screen. I noticed things. How beautiful the common looked with the mist rolling in, a new restaurant on Battersea Rise (turned out it had been there months and I just hadn't noticed), and also when I looked up it made me notice exactly how many people on the train platform opposite me would hardly peel their eyes away from their phones even when standing next to loved ones waiting for the train to arrive.

You Connect More

I often find it too easy to submerge into my online world even when surrounded by family and friends, but without that temptation, you have to strike up conversation with the person standing next to you. People are actually even more interesting than their online lives it seems, I'd almost forgotten that. 


You Focus More

With a phone in your hand, you'll often be completing not just one task, but often two or three at once. Take that phone away and you automatically have to put more focus onto your original task. I found actually enjoying The Apprentice for once, instead of having to ask Charlie what I'd missed every few minutes, or editing a video (which doesn't need internet access by the way!) in 20 minutes, instead of my usual hour. The results were better, and that feeling of 'job done' satisfaction was a whole lot better than when I'd tried it while multitasking.

You Crave It

No, I don't mean your phone. Although yes, it took a while to get used to not being able to catch up on the online world, after a while I liked the freedom of not being tied to it. What I mean, is you crave the digital detox. I wanted to do it again. Not for 24 hours maybe, that seems impractical when my job is based on my online thoughts, but for a few hours at a time. I went for walks without my phone, left it at home while going out for a meal, and it was refreshing.

You are more productive.

After 24 hours without technology, my Monday afternoon was more productive than ever. I had ideas for posts and videos that had come to me during my detox that I started to kick into motion, connections that I wanted to make, and meetings to arrange. My style of working has changed, instead of flitting between writing this post, for example, and regularly breaking up my train of thoughts by checking my social media, I've completed it in half the time that I'd usually complete a post. My Instagram binge will be my reward as soon as I've hit 'Publish'.


If you want to see how I got on without the internet, you can watch my VLOG here!



Would you be able to go 24 hours without the internet? What aspect would you find hardest or would you find it refreshing?

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Lounging Around

November 7, 2015, 12:00 am
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Usually over here on Fashion Mumblr you'll see what I'm wearing when I'm out and about - whether that's an Autumnal ensemble with suede OTK boots, or showing off my new favourite trench coat, but my favourite get up of all time? My PJs. Uh yeah, I work from home most of the time which means that lounge pants and slippers are my most worn items so I thought it was about time that they had their moment in the spotlight here on the blog.

Earlier this week, I headed up North to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales with Emu Australia with a couple of other fab blogger pals for a few days of enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Naturally my Emu Slippers came along for the trip too, perfect for padding about in our seriously swish wooden lodge cabin. Each morning I'd settle down in front of the crackling log fire in my cosiest clothing, getting some work done before we headed out into the great outdoors.

Blankets, a cup of Hot Chocolate (with marshmallows FYI) and the most snug pair of slippers - a winning combination, I'm sure  you'll agree!

WHAT I WORE


Slippers by Emu Australia  |   Leggings by Superdry  |   T-Shirt by Accessorise  |   Nail Varnish by Tom Ford   |   Rings by Monica Vinader   










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The Perfect Pair

November 11, 2015, 12:07 am
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The past weekend was spent on a retreat to the Yorkshire Dales; three days with limited phone signal,  rolling hills and landscapes that appeared and disappeared from sight as the eery mist rolled in. I'd heard lots of good things about Yorkshire and seen enough Instagram photos to whet my appetite for not only the breathtaking scenery, but also our home for the trip; the Natural Retreats lodges. We arrived into Darlington after lunch and made our way through the misty Dales to our luxurious lodge nestled amongst the trees. 

Despite the fog, we were itching to explore, so we set about discovering the Dales by foot and by bicycle. Geared up in a snuggly faux shearling coat and a trusty pair of ripped jeans, I chose my Emu Featherwood Hi Boots to complete the look. The high boots are cosy and warm, keep the moisture from the grass out and ensure that my outfit is stylish and practical for our explorations.

Whilst we were enjoying our very own #EverNaturalEscape to the Yorkshire Dales, the fabulous folk at Emu Australia were busy planning an extra special retreat for one very lucky person (and their friend!) - to Australia none the less! There's still chance for you to win the all expenses paid trip down under and all you've got to do is tag your favourite retreat on Instagram (must be an original snap) and use #EverNaturalEscape and tag and follow @EmuAustralia. More info about the competition here, but it really is as easy as that.

You won't need a shearling coat in Aus, but keep scrolling for some Autumnal #ootd inspiration!

xoxo












Coat by Topshop  |   Jeans by Topshop  |   Jumper by Superdry  |   Boots by Emu  |   Sunglasses by Tom Ford

xoxo

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4 Reasons Why Me Time is So Important

November 12, 2015, 11:00 pm
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Every week, every month I tell myself that 'next week i'll have time to relax', to get all those admin bits and pieces done on my ever growing To Do list, but every time my diary becomes full, the To Do list just keeps on getting longer. It seems like it's not just me, every time I ask someone how they are, what they're up to, the word 'busy' always sneaks in there. It seems we are running around endlessly trying to get things done, complete our tasks and some days there's hardly enough time to hop in the shower in the morning, we make time for work, but do we make enough time for ourselves?

It's something I've been thinking about a lot more recently, and having taken a couple of short breaks in the beautiful UK countryside I decided to put 'me time' to the top of my agenda for once. Just a few days of taking time out, whether thats a Digital Detox (find out how I got on with that here) or just escaping your daily routine, giving yourself some 'me time' is vital for our mental and physical health and gives us the oomph we need to power through our busy day to day lives.

Slow Down


It's amazing how many things we can accomplish in one day, but sometimes we just need to give ourselves a break! If we don't take some time out to slow down, our bodies will do it for us by becoming ill - whether mentally or physically. I knew I needed some time out when I was getting almost daily headaches meaning that I couldn't physically work after 6pm - that was my body telling me that it was time to stop. Taking the time to slow down and enjoy the simple indulgences of life whether it's a film with a friend, a spa day or a long walk in the coutryside is sometimes all we need to recharge our own batteries. This weekend we headed to Forest Holidays near Winchester for a break from the rush of the city - evenings spent by the wood fire, in the hot tub, rustling up comfort food and watching films. I took a few photos (force of habit) but the rest of the trip was pure relaxation!


Unplug


Wherever we go, we are always connected, we are drowning in information! I wrote a whole post about the things I learnt from my digital detox, and 'me time' without the constant bombardment of emails, texts, news updates is exactly what we need from time to time.

Relax & Unwind


We all need to relax and unwind frequently. Allowing ourselves to spend time doing things that we enjoy, that calm us down and allow us to push that 'reset' button. The lovely folk at Doddle kindly sent me some of my favourite products that help me unwind as part of their #DoddleSaysRelax campaign - such as this beautiful Diptyque candle, and a ThisWorks Deep Sleep Spray. Doddle want us to have more time to relax and unwind and I've been using their service for about 4 months now, I just pop into my local store where they take care of all my deliveries and post so that I  can focus on getting my work done so I can chill out in the evenings. Instead of spending ages waiting in Post Office queues to drop off parcels, or traipsing to the pick up office for my missed deliveries, all of this is taken care of by the purple-shirted folks at the Doddle down my road, and you know what that means? More time to chill!




Enjoy Life!


Why do we work so hard if it's not so that we can enjoy life?! My weekend away was filled with doing things that I love - which of course meant testing out some gorgeous new beauty products, but also lots of long walks, switching my phone off and just enjoying time with friends. Now that I'm back into my daily routine I'm making more of an effort to switch my computer off and relax, planning some 'me time' into my schedule.



What are your favourite ways to enjoy Me Time?

xoxo






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Affordable Beauty Advent Calendars & Giveaway!

November 18, 2015, 12:00 am
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OK so I have to admit that one thing that makes chilly December mornings that little bit more bearable is having a cheeky square of advent calendar chocolate with my morning cuppa, but one thing which actually beats chocolate is opening up a little beauty present each and every morning. 

Beauty advent calendars have been getting more and more popular over the past few years, with countless brands and stores bringing out their own version this year, and for me, 2015 is the year that 'affordable' beauty advent calendars really stole the show. As much as I aspire to one day own a Jo Malone, Charlotte Tilbury or Selfridges calendar, there's plenty on the highstreet end of the Beauty Advent Calendar spectrum to keep me happy! Ranging from miniature hand creams, false lashes and full sized nail polishes, there's one for everyone - the only tricky thing is deciding which one to go for! Feast your eyes...



Tanya Burr Cosmetics - £25 from Superdrug

For the first 12 days of the month you'll find cute surprises ranging from nail files and varnishes to a handbag mirror and false lashes in this incredibly affordable calendar. Snap it up while it's on offer (it won't last long!)



L'Occitane - £39

The French beauty brand will spoil you rotten with 24 mini versions of their luxurious skincare, hair and body products inside this chunky advent calendar! This would make a lovely gift to a mum or auntie - you're never too old to get excited by an advent calendar!



Benefit - £34.50 from Debenhams

If you've got your heart set on this calendar from Benefit then you'd better hop to it, as every time it drops in store or online it sells out in a flash! Behind the 12 doors you'll find many of Benefit's cult classics, and it even opens to a festive song!




M&S - £25 when you spend £25

Jammed full of festive treats worth over £200, the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar is a steal at just £25 when you spend £25 on M&S Beauty (I highly recommend the Stila eyeshadow palette if you're wondering what to splurge on!). Inside you'll find treats from top brands including REN, Cowshed, Rituals and Neal's Yard.


Eylure - Win it!

Here's one that you won't have spotted in any stores, because it's super exclusive and can't be bought! Featuring twelve set of Eylure's most popular lashes, this set can be yours just by entering my giveaway! Of course I want to make sure you receive the calendar before the beginning of December, so my giveaway is live for one week only, closing at midnight on November 24th (my birthday!). Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Which is your favourite Beauty Advent Calendar?

xoxo
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How to Be an Efficient Christmas Shopper

November 19, 2015, 12:00 am
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Brace yourselves folks because things are about to get a whole lot more festive here on the blog! I've been dying to post about Christmassy goodness since the moment Fashion Week ended but finally, with gift guides appearing here there and everywhere, I feel like it's finally acceptable. What better way to kick of the Fashion Mumblr festivity than a Gift Guide with a difference, not just some gift ideas, but also some tips on how to be an efficient Christmas shopper! 

Each year, Charlie and I proclaim that we want to be super organised when it comes to Christmas - getting the presents bought early, decorations down from the loft, cards written and ready to go, and this year we decided to kick things off early and made a beeline for Debenhams on Oxford Street earlier this week to make a head start to our Christmas shopping.






1. Make a List!

Sounds kinda obvious but think back to last year's Christmas shopping, did you have a list? Did you really?! Charlie and I made lists on our phones for everyone we needed to buy for, Mum, Sister, Brother, Friends, oh and of course each other! This made it so much easier to be an efficient shopper, each concession we encountered lured us with different tempting gift sets, so we consulted our lists to see who we could treat. In Debenhams we were spoilt for choice - with Clarins,Clinique and YSL to name a few all creating perfectly packaged box sets with cult favourites - our Mums were ticked off our lists within moments of stepping into the store!





Look out for Promotions!

The Christmas shopping period is SO important to retailers, and many brands and stores will cut their prices in the lead up to the festive celebrations. Box sets are a great way to get lots of product for your pennies, and in Debenhams we spotted some incredible special offers on top such as in Clarins you get a free festive candle when you spend £75 or more.








Set a Budget

Again it's one of those things that I tell myself that i'll do, and then once I step into the store and am faced with all the pretty products, it goes out the window. But it's important to sit down and think about all your outgoings over Christmas - from gifts and food to travelling to see family and friends. Charlie and I agreed on a £100 limit for each others pressies this year, and luckily we both found each other's favourite fragrances in Debenhams. I snapped up a large Eau de Parfum of Charlie's favourite Bleu de Chanel for £65 as well as a Clarins Men Grooming Essentials Gift set for £39 (OK, I went £4 over but shhhh), both of which I know he will love! As for me, I spotted Charlie eyeing up a gift set of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb which I'm hoping that he added to his basket!



#FoundIt at Debenhams

In less than an hour Charlie and I had ticked off everyone from our lists, just from visiting one store - now that's what you might call efficient Christmas shopping! There's no harm in keeping an eye on an more special promotions that might crop up over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, but for now, I can tell you that the feeling of having our Christmas Shopping sorted is pretty darn good!

Have you started your Christmas Shopping yet?

xoxo


This post is kindly sponsored by Debenhams

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How To Choose a Career in Fashion

November 20, 2015, 8:00 am
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If you're the kind of person who wants to work in the fashion industry, chances are, you'll already know it. You'll read the glossy magazines, follow fashion blogs (or perhaps even have your own) and your love of fashion defines who you are as a person. Deciding how to make a career out of that however can sometimes be tricky. It's not just fashion designers, but also visual merchandisers, boutique owners, buyers and many many more types of roles within the industry. 

Before starting Fashion Mumblr, I studied at the London College of Fashion - I knew I wanted to work within the fashion industry but wasn't sure which part of it, and the course that I studied gave me an insight into many different roles, going through the skills needed to run a fashion business - including Marketing, buying, merchandising, finance and PR. Once I graduated, I worked in the Marketing department at Mulberry, did some consultancy for John Lewis, worked in various shops and then finally worked as PR and Marketing Manager for a retail software company. Now, I'm a full time blogger, so it's fair to say I've tried a few different roles in fashion! So if you're just thinking about what kind of role you'd like in the future, then read on for a few of my top tips!



Fashion Marketing 

This is how I started my career in Fashion, and a role in marketing combines business and creativity. Designers and brands need to get their products to the market and make customers aware of them, and create a desire for them. This is where the marketing team comes in. When you start out in a marketing role, you can expect your tasks to include assisting at campaign photo shoots, organising in-store events, planning newsletters, assisting with social media, collecting customer information, working with store managers to ensure that they're up to date with the marketing strategy, and much more depending on the company that you work for. 

It's true what they say about the fashion industry, it so often is about 'who you know' and for me, even getting an internship at Mulberry to start with was a huge accomplishment and amount of luck (my mum met the god-father of one of the PR team at a dinner event!), but there are ways of getting into a marketing role without knowing someone. Firstly, you most likely will have to intern. Sadly it's often unpaid but most of the time it's the best way to network with people in the industry and get a foot in the door. Graduate schemes are another great way in but these are hugely competitive. Often, university courses will help you to make connections in the industry so take full advantage of 'Industry Speakers' and have a 30 second mental pitch prepared about why YOU should work for them.

Buying / Merchandising 

Firstly, what's the difference? Buyers and merchandisers work together to create a range that offers the best choice to customers, while maximising sales and profits. Buyers tend to work closely with designers and suppliers, considering the style, colour and overall look of a range and customers desires, whereas merchandisers work closely with financial information, structuring a range from a figures and sales point of view.

If you're not afraid of figures then merchandising roles can earn you decent money (as far as the fashion industry goes!) and also give you a real insight into the workings of a fashion company. Buyers will benefit hugely from experience on the shop floor, understanding customer needs, and the ability to know what's on trend and what a customer wants is non-negotiable! Friends of mine from uni often started out selling clothes on the shop floor and are now the ones deciding which clothes get on the shop floor in the first place.


Working for a Magazine

Whether an editor, photographer, copywriter or stylist, there are countless roles within a magazine. Many roles involve office based tasks and many external appointments so no two days are the same. Creativity is crucial, and if you want to work for a fashion magazine then experience is crucial. Many publications offer internships although they're very competitive so make yourself stand out. Do you have a blog? A photography portfolio? Thousands of Instagram followers who follow you to pick up style tips? When applying for a role it's important to do your homework and understand the style of the magazine - perhaps you could even write a mock article for them to show them how creative you are!



Boutique Owner

If you LOVE shopping and already spend a lot of time in boutiques, imagine the satisfaction of running your own - the fun and financial rewards from having your very own boutique? As boutique owner you choose the products, set the prices and open your doors to customers eager to snap up your latest collections. It's a career path I often think about, and had I not fallen into marketing I definitely would have pursued it. I'm currently spending my 'down time' as a virtual boutique owner via the new  Style Boutique 2 - Fashion Forward game for Nintendo 3DS. Within moments of launching into the game I was tempted with the option to work as a model, but after helping a friend put together a killer outfit (and styling her hair and makeup to suit her new look) I knew my calling was to be a boutique owner. Now, I run all aspects of the store from networking across the city, styling outfits according to customers exact specifications and budgets, and buying in new items according to my customers desires.


Other career paths within the game include being a designer – if you’ve got the eye for a well styled outfit then putting together fabulous looks is a great way of getting the word out about your boutique. You can also show off your perfect new hair cut and makeup and try your luck as a model, maybe even appearing on billboards around the city!


Fashion Blogger

I'll always maintain that if you're starting your blog to make money (or get free things) then chances are you're in it for the wrong reasons. Having said that, of course there is the possibility of making your blog a successful career choice. I blogged alongside working full time for two years, and only once I was generating a relatively consistent earning from the blog did I make the decision to take it full time. If you aspire to be a blogger then of course you'll need to start a blog, find your niche, and create consistently top quality content in order to grow your readership. Brands and readers will notice your efforts and eventually you may be able to make it your career.


University?

There are mixed feelings about whether or not to go to university, especially given the recent hike in the costs involved. The career path that I took would only have been an option for me as a graduate - working in the head office of a major fashion retailer means you need to have industry knowledge that can only really be gained from a degree in retail (or similar) or having vast amounts of experience within the sector. If you decide that university isn't for you, then working in stores is the best way to get your foot in the door. If you can work in a flagship store then that's even better, as you'll probably meet the visual merchandising or marketing teams when they visit the stores. 

I hope this post has been useful for you, I know it only skims the very surface of the fashion industry and there is so much more I could say! If you have any questions then tweet me and i'll do my very best to answer them!

What's your ideal career within the fashion industry?

xoxo


This post is kindly sponsored by Nintendo but of course all views are my own and I've genuinely become addicted to New Style Boutique 2 - Fashion Forward!


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New Look Cyber Week Sale Picks!

November 21, 2015, 1:43 am
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It's finally here, Cyber Week kicks off this weekend - aka the craziest week for huge discounts and sales from all of our favourite retailers! This year I'm going to be doing all my sale shopping online because, honestly, I can't be dealing with spending hours elbowing my way through the sale rails, and while I'm at it I thought I'd pull together some of my absolute favourite pieces so that you can get your hands on them too!

So I hope you like this style of post, let me know if you do (or don't!) as I may do a few more over the next week or so. I'm kicking things off with New Look. Their Cyber Week sale kicks off with a ginormous 40% off a HUGE range of their womenswear, menswear, and accessories. You don't need a discount code, just head straight to their sale section. It's limited time only and things will sell out, so don't hang around for too long!

I've chosen my favourite pieces from the bargains which you can shop by clicking on the links, or from the reel down below.

SHOP THE SALE!





Clockwise from top left:

Grey Stone Jumper - £13.49 was £17.99
Burgundy Tie Front Cut Out Heels - £14.99 was £24.99
Stone Reverse Seam Jumper - £13.49 was £17.99
Grey Wool Tassle Floppy Hat - £11.24 was £14.99
Pink Scoop Neck Vest - £5.99 was £9.99
Mustard Cable Knit Roll Neck - £20.99 was £34.99
Cream Faux Fur Clutch - £14.99 was £19.99
Black Aztec Jacquard Skirt -  £14.99 was £19.99
Black Velvet Panel Clutch - £11.99 was £15.99


Enjoy!

xoxo
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Christmas Gift Guide : Perfumes!

November 23, 2015, 10:00 pm
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It's about time things got a little more festive over here and Fashion Mumblr, but for me, I can't really get my head around Christmas until my birthday is over! (OK, it's still officially my birthday if you're reading this on the day it was published, but still!) But I thought a great way to kick things off would be my first (of many) Christmas Gift Guides - Perfume!

Fragrances are such lovely gifts to buy, and to receive and this year there are SO many incredible options that I decided to devote an entire post to them, as well as letting you know who I think they will work best for! So I hope this post gives you a little guidance to kick off your Christmas shopping!


For the Sassy Teen!Ariana Grande Eau de Parfum

I'm not usually a fan of celeb fragrances, let's just get that one out there straight away, and to be honest it's the seriously stylish bottle that made me want to include this in my gift guide! BUT, having said that, the fragrance isn't actually as offensive as I thought it would be from the sweeter-than-sweet pop star, oh no, it's actually..... rather nice! It's fruity and floral, playful and sweet, yes, but with a musky undertone that makes it very wearable.


For the Stylish Lady!Chloé Eau de Parfum

It's a timeless fragrance, and one which you really can't go wrong with buying for a gift. The classic scent of roses in a floral, feminine scent. The bottle is beautiful too - the iconic fluted glass with delicate bow around the lid, it will look beautiful on any dressing table!


For the Party Girl!Jean Paul Gaultier Eau de Parfum

As soon as I laid eyes on the sparkly bodice edition of the classic Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance, I absolutely knew I had to feature on the gift guide! The fragrance itself is a sexy, floral, oriental fragrance which lingers for hours, with fruity top notes including Raspberry and Bergamot.


For the Always-On-Trend friend!Calvin Klein Euphoria

In it's striking silver bottle, Calvin Klein Euphoria is one of those fragrances that never goes out of style. If you're struggling for a gift idea for the friend who always looks great and absolutely has to be wearing the latest trends, you can't go wrong with Euphoria. I'm yet to meet someone who doesn't love the musky, orchid and black violet tones.


For the Mysterious Lady!Jimmy Choo Illicit

There's something seriously special about the new fragrance from Jimmy Choo. A certain veil of mystique lurks on the skin after spritzing on this modern floriental (I love that word) perfume. It's elegant and edgy at the same time, with notes of Ginger and Bitter Oragne as well as Rose and Sandalwood.

SHOP THE POST






For The One Who Sets The Trends - Elizabeth Arden Always Red

This fragrance is seriously under rated, and your girlfriends who love to discover new trends is bound to fall in love with this dry, sophisticated floriental fragrance. With ingredients such as Passion Fruit, Jasmine, and Velvet Rose Petals - it's unusual but instantly likeable.


For the Glamorous Gal - Theirry Mugler Angel Passion

Lovers of Thierry Mugler's iconic Angel fragrance will be lusting for this more glamorous and seductive eau de perfum. Notes of  patchouli and red berries give this classic scent a captivating edge - and the red star bottle is simply striking.


For the Haute Couture Honey - Miu Miu Eau de Parfum

The first scent from the Miu Miu fashion house truly encapsulates the spirit of the brand. The combination of lily of the valley and akigalwood is instantly a familiar scent, it's contemporary and natural but the soft blue glass bottle with the translucent red disk gives a pop of Miu Miu's signature quirky ways to the scent.

SHOP THE POST





For the Teen Beauty Queen - GHOST The Fragrance Gift Set

With the Ghost fragrance and a body lotion too, this gift set makes a lovely treat to unwrap on Christmas day. Scented with fresh flowers followed by notes of Vanilla and warm amber, it's hard not to fall in love with this scent. 


For the Fashionista - Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Gift Set

A fresh and floral fragrance which is light and easy to wear - with notes of Violet Leaf, Strawberry and Jasmine as well as a warm top note coverage of Musk, Vanilla and White Woods. The bottle itself is a pleasure to see, with delicate daisies decorating the glass - this gift set both looks and smells incredible!



For the Daring Darling - Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme

Utterly extravagant and undeniably sensual, Tom Ford Noir is one of those fragrances which women aspire to wear. A floral oriental which encapsulates the Tom Ford woman in a sleek black and gold bottle, this is one to treat your utterly glamorous and unashamedly daring friend or lover.


For the Luxury Lover - Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir

This is the scent that I reach for on special occasions, and there's something incredibly luxurious and warming about the scent of fruity pomegranate on the skin. It's fruity and spicy, a very familiar scent which would make the most beautiful gift for anyone who loves a touch of luxury!


For the Fearless Fashionista - YSL Black Opium

An incredibly wearable luxury fragrance, it would be impossible for the recipient not to love you for tucking this EDP into their stocking. With hedonistic notes of black coffee, with sensual Patchouli and white woods - it smells as good as it looks in the glittering bottle whose diamond dust finish replicates the rock edge but modern glamour of the scent within.

SHOP THE POST






Have I featured your favourite fragrance? Which would you most like to unwrap this Christmas?

xoxo
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Autumn Fashion Essentials

November 17, 2015, 4:00 am
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For me, no season feels more like a fresh start than Autumn. It could be all the new beautiful clothes in the stores, or memories of heading back to school or university, but suddenly, Autumn makes me want to take a long hard look at my wardrobe! Before going crazy on Oxford Street to buy all the latest pieces, it's best to first take a look at your current wardrobe, and making sure that you look, and feel fabulous, and investing on some key essentials to ensure you feel confident in your Autumnal ensembles.


- The Basics - 


No matter what outfit you put together, you'll feel your best when you feel supported and comfortable, so my first Autumn Fashion essential is the newly re-launched ultimate strapless bra from Wonderbra. Far from my high school years when I saved up for a Wonderbra to give my cleavage a much needed boost, the ultimate strapless bra is perfect for layering up under your cosiest autumnal knits, and taking you right through to even the most risqué of evening outfits. With patented hand support technology and new silicone dot technology, the underwear ensures that you feel supported, and confident that no matter what your outfit, one thing you don't need to worry about is your bra slipping or showing!

As well as being comfortable and supported, Autumn is all about being cosy! I've found the most scrumptiously soft dressing gown from New Look, it's so sumptuous and delicious - even Dexter loves to snuggle up in it with me! (Anyone who follows me on Snapchat will know this already!) My equally as cosy slippers are from Emu Australia, the beautiful mauve colour is so unusual for slippers, and the fluffy lining is such a treat for tired feet at the end of the day!



- Layer Up - 


One of my favourite parts of Autumnal dressing is layering up. I've mentioned several times before but my favourite item of clothing for layering this season is this waterfall faux suede/sheepskin gilet from Dorothy Perkins. It's gorgeously soft to touch, as a beautifully elegant way of hanging, and best of all, is only £29. Here I've layered it under a patchwork scarf in my favourite autumnal colours, and my most-worn rust coloured high neck top. A pair of dark, well fitting trousers is another Autumnal essential, and my favourite pair is this Olive green wax effect pair from Oasis. Sticking to a neutral colour palette, my Emu boots and Superdry fur headband ensure that I look on trend while being snug and cosy too!










- Evening Glamour - 


I used to find evening outfits quite tricky at this time of year, but layering isn't just for the day time - a faux fur stole can add a surprising amount of warmth to evening dresses, and this strapless dress from Superdry definitely needs a little something to throw on over your shoulders as the temperature drops.  The dress itself is an incredibly flattering navy and deep green tartan print, with a fit and flare silhouette. As it's strapless, the Ultimate Strapless Wonderbra is also an essential for this evening look  - it's available in nude (like mine) but also black, ivory and black lace and works perfectly for so many tricky outfit options!








I also have a Wonderbra set to giveaway to one lucky reader! It's super easy to enter, just complete the rafflecopter below (or as many as you'd like - the more you do, the more points you get and more chance to win!) and you could win a set of your choice from the new Wonderbra range. You can also head over to ASOS to win an Ultimate Style party outfit with GHDs, a set from Wonderbra and Benefit Makeup as well as ASOS vouchers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What are your Autumn Fashion Essentials? Do you love layering?

This post is kindly sponsored by Wonderbra

xoxo



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How to find the Perfect Christmas Dress!

November 24, 2015, 9:00 pm
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Oh yes, it's coming up to that time of the year, and whether you're hosting or RSVPing to a Christmas party, finding the right dress can be make or break as to whether you feel fabulous on the night! Whether you have Kim K's curves or Kiera Knightley's demure style, I've been creating a Christmas dress wishlist with some of my favourite dresses and accessories from Lyst, and here are some of my favourite styles for the festive season!

1. Sparkle!
You don't need tons of tinsel to shimmer at a festive gathering, but unleash your inner diva with sparkling styles this festive season. The first dress that I chose features eye catching sequins and feathers to ensure you keep sparkling long after the last gift has been unwrapped!

2. Velvet
Nothing screams festive and fashionable quite like velvet. On guys and girls, this luxe texture is going to be big this holiday season, so you can add a touch of velvet to your accessories or go all out on a velvet gown - why not invest in a luxe velvet blazer so you can shed your layers as the evening heats up!

3. White
Who says white is just for the snowman! A crisp LWD is a sophisticated an unexpected choice for the holidays. I'd pair this white midi length dress with rose gold jewellery and some sky high heels for an elegant ensemble.

4. Jewel Tones
Whether it's sapphire, garnet, or a Christmas-ready ruby or emerald, it doesn't get much more festive that these rich opulent hues. Take a tip from Pippa Middleton's festive attire; you don't need much accessorising when your dress teams bold colours with detailed embellishment.

5. Draped 
Sexy enough for cocktail parties but forgiving enough for a full feast, draped dresses are the most versatile style at this time of year. Ultra flattering and ultra feminine, it's no wonder they're a festive favourite!


What type of dress will you be rocking for your Christmas party?

xoxo





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Some Festive Favourites

November 25, 2015, 10:00 am
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At this time of year there is always a shift in my beauty department. The evenings are well and truly ‘drawn in’, the heating is on, and the cosy nights in call for a little bit of self indulgence which is why at this time of year I love to treat myself to some extra special products.

Makeup wise the shimmering shadows start to make an appearance, along with a splashing of deep burgundies from my eye palettes to my lipsticks. My favourite deep lipstick this Autumn has without a doubt been this one from Illamasqua. It’s a very intense shade and takes a little while to achieve the perfect application, but once it’s on, you’re good for the whole day with just a quick touch up here and there. As deep lip shades go, this one is incredibly wearable and seems to go with most day and evening looks.

Who says bold lips and a bold eye doesn’t work? Some days I create a striking look with eyeshadow, and other days I let my lashes do all the talking. I’ve recently re-discovered my YSL Babydoll mascara which really separates out the lashes with the stiff plastic wand but is also incredibly buildable. Three coats gives a real false lash effect and I even skip out the liner thanks to my lashes being ultra bold.

One product which is seriously special and very indulgent but I can’t resist at this time of year is my Tom Ford perfume. It’s pricey, yes, but this time of year calls for a little indulgence and for me this fragrance is worth every penny. With a deep musky oud which lingers for hours, it’s instantly recognisable and an absolute classic scent.

Finally, who said a bronzed complexion was just for summer? I like to prevent my skin from turning into a shade of milky grey during the colder months by treating my skin to some St Tropez at night. I love the facial oil with it’s skincare properties and luxurious texture which makes me look as though my skin has seen the sun even when the only warmth I’ve been experiencing recently is my hot water botte!

All of these treats add a little bit of self indulgence into my Autumn Winter routine  - who says we can’t treat ourselves every now and then!

This post is in collaboration with Very but all views are my own!


xoxo


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All That Glitters

November 26, 2015, 12:14 am
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Nothing says Christmas quite like a bit of sparkly.

Amiright? This #ootd makes me so warm and fuzzy inside because I feel like the holidays are finally upon us. One of my favourite parts of the holidays is all the sparkle - on the eyes, the nails, even the sunglasses! As much as Christmas party dresses get me seriously excited, its those day to day outfits which I absolutely love to put together, and this one is the perfect blend of being warm and cosy, and festive sparkle. 

Peaking through you can spot my newest knitwear from Topshop. This pink sparkly jumper was a birthday gift, to me, from me! Pink and sparkles remain two of my favourite things so this jumper was a no-brainer. I paired it with classic white jeans and my trusty Ted & Muffy
boots - which are possibly the best shoe addition to my collection this year.

Keeping me warm and snuggly is my new favourite winter coat from River Island. The faux suede has an undeniably luxe appearance, along with the faux fur label and pockets. The price tag makes me smile even more - who knew such a fab coat could be under £100!
I finished the look with my Radley Neal Street backpack (currently £100 off in the Sale so be quick!) and new sparkly shades from Miu Miu. Scroll down for more close up snaps - bonus points if you spot the crystals on my new sunnies!

SHOP THE POST











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The Best of Black Friday!

November 26, 2015, 1:48 am
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Ahead of the big day tomorrow, some of my favourite retailers have already dropped their prices for Black Friday and Cyber week. Now you know how I do love to shop and browse, so I've saved you the time and effort of trawling through all the bargains to bring you only the very best!

The shop section below shows my absolute favourite products in the sale at the moment, and i'll be adding to it as I find more, so bookmark this page and check back often!

Also, just to help you out, here are the best sales so far:

ASOS | 20% Off Everything with code Cyber
TOPSHOP | 50% Off Selected Lines 
MISSSELFRIDGE | 50% Off Selected Lines 
KURT GEIGER| 20% Off Everything
OFFICE| 20% Off Everything with code SNOW
FOREVER 21| 50% Off Selected Lines
ANTHROPOLOGIE | 20% Off Everything
SELFRIDGES| 20% off Handbags with 
River Island |  20% off with code BFRIDAY15
The White Company | 20% Off Everything
Gemporia | 30% off with code SHOP30
Whistles | 20% Off Everything
Karen Millen | 25% Off Everything
New Look | Up to 50% Off 
Dorothy Perkins | Up to 30% off
Larsson & Jennings | 15% off with code LJ15
LK Bennett |  30% off with code:THANKS
Urban Outfitters | Up to 50% off
FarFetch |  10% off with code BF2015
Selfridges | Up to 20% of with code SELFCCE
Marks & Spencer | Up to 50% off
House of Fraser | Up to 50% off
John Lewis | Price Matched Products
Very | 20% off all Ladieswear

Look Fantastic | Use Code LF15 for a Mystery Discount


Happy Shopping!



xoxo
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6 Ways To Feel More Confident

November 29, 2015, 12:00 am
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There are always those girls who have natural confidence, but for many of us it can be a struggle. Looking back over my time in school and university I always wanted to look like that person that oozes confidence but I know all too well that sometimes a smile and a bright cheerful giggle can really be hiding self doubt. There are a few key things which I've learnt that help me be confident not just on the outside but on the inside too, so I thought I'd share these today in the hope that they may bring a little brightness to your day if you're lacking in confidence.

1. Fake It! It's the cliché that you always read in articles about confidence but something that I learnt at university and during my first years in the working world is that if you don't believe that you can do it then you can be sure that no one else will! If you walk in with a smile on your face and a confident walk, pretty soon your fake confidence will become real. 




2. Get out of your Comfort Zone. When you do thinks that you think you can't, your comfort zone will just keep on getting bigger and bigger. Even small things will lead to bigger and greater things until you grow, and feel unstoppable!

3. Think Confidently. Positive, confident thoughts have an unbelievable impact on how you feel in comparison to having 'worst possible outcome' thoughts which can bring on unnecessary anxiety. 



4. Speak Up. For too long, I shied away from speaking up in social situations, worrying that what I said wasn't going to be entertaining enough, that no one would reply, or laugh with me. It was when I started interning that I knew I had to speak up if I wanted to make an impression, it was scary at first but I had to do it. Turns out that no one thought my ideas were silly or my stories were boring, and the more I spoke up, the better it felt.



5. Find what makes you feel physically confident. I used to hate my smile, years of wearing braces and having goofy teeth gave me some sort of inferiority complex about my teeth but over the years I've grown to like my slightly goofy smile. It's what makes me me after all! I talk too often about my beauty routine but one part which I overlook is my smile - I use Pearl Drops Lasting Flawless White daily, not just for the whitening but also to protect my smile - we only have one after all!

6. Let go of Perfection. Striving to be perfect can cause self doubt and a constant sense that you're not good enough. By giving yourself permission to make mistakes you'll try new things, take more risks and grow as a person. Don't overthink everything, it's OK not to be perfect all the time.

This post is sponsored by Pearl Drops but of course all opinions are completely my own!

xoxo



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How To Create a Festive Table!

November 30, 2015, 12:10 am
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A pinterest-worthy tablescape is one of those things we all aspire to at Christmas time, and the festive period is when you can really have fun and create a gorgeous table which makes your guests feel special, and ready to embrace the holiday spirit. 

Last week, I was at the Great Fosters in Surrey for their Taste of Christmas event, and was inspired by the festive tablescape masterclass by Lilys Flowers; the florists created a beautiful, very organic, glittering table setting and gave us lots of tips for how to recreate a similar setting at home!



Before we get into the table setting tips, here's a quick #ootd! I wore my new graphic print woollen dress from French Connection - it's a classic style dress which I just know i'll be pulling out for many festive functions, as well as my new personalised Radley clutch bag.



Using a white linen table cloth as the base, the table setting was built up using chopped logs which can be purchased from places such as the Covent Garden Flower Market, or local garden centres (as well as foraged from the side of the road!). They are super for building height and layers into the tablescape, and create a base for this organic woodland setting.



The florists encouraged us to use flora and fauna that we have at home, whether it's dried chinese lanterns spray painted in silver or copper, or an amaryllis bulb which you can cover in glitter. Fruit and flowers can be sprayed with metallic spray paint, or coated in thin sheets of gold or silver foil.

Collect jars from around the home, and tie some burlaps string around the tops to give an even more earthy feel to the decorations.


Candles add a new dimension to the setting, the flickering flame adds warmth and movement, as well as giving off a delicate festive scent. Mix in branded candles in their glass jars, with tiny tea lights lighting up their holders.



It doesn't matter if things don't match, and you don't have to stick to one 'metal' colour. The setting here features gold, silver, copper and shimmering ruby red glitter.





Keep building up the tablescape and move pieces around until you have a setting that you're proud of. Don't aim for perfection! The magic of this table setting is that it feels natural and homely, instead of so precise and perfect that you don't want to touch it!



The florists' kit included glue spray, ribbons, glitter and even blue tac (to stop the pear table settings from toppling over!).



Finish the place settings with some ribbon around the cutlery - this gold hemmed ribbon perfectly blends in with the natural colour scheme of the tablescape, and is a simple twist to the usual place setting.

How will you be decorating your table this Christmas?

xoxo
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Christmas Gift Guide : For the Ladies!

December 1, 2015, 12:13 am
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December the first means it's time to unleash the festivity here on Fashion Mumblr! I know, I know, you've already seen my guide to creating THE BEST Christmas table and also my Perfume Gift Guide, but today I'm kicking off a whole month of festive goodness with an absolute whopper of a gift guide. Yep, it's my gift guide for girls! Or, for the ladies... ooh la la.

As a beauty lover, naturally these gifts are pretty much all beauty related, but if that's not your thing then don't worry, there's more non-beauty guides coming your way very soon.


Firstly, kicking things off with my absolute favourite of all the gifts. The Clarisonic Mia 2 - Keith Haring design edition. I told you how much I'm obsessed with this in my gift guide video - and seriously, it's life changing. OK, perhaps that's a slight over-exaggeration but honestly this device is the queen of cleansing devices. It's the equivalent of a Hoover in the vacuum cleaner world and the Jacuzzi in the hot tub world -  you get my point. Using a Clarisonic is a game changer within your skincare routine and this limited design by Keith Haring with it's adorable sketch and matching travel case makes it the perfect gift.


Ah yes, here's another one that you simply can't go wrong with. A Jo Malone London candle is on every girls Christmas Wishlist, and Pomegranate Noir is the most loved fragrance. A luxurious treat which looks (and smells) fabulous in any home, and if you visit the Regent Street Boutique on selected dates you can even have the box personalised or sketched like my London themed box above. 



As for gift sets, this year there are just so many to choose from! I also spoke about these in my Christmas Gift Guide video, starting with the Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Kit. Containing a range of calming organic products to help you drift off at night AND wake up with silky-smooth skin, it's a great gift for the one that's too busy to stop and take care of herself, and deserves a seriously relaxing gift. 

The Caudalie Vine Body Luxury Set is another super indulgent gift, of all their gift sets this year (of which there are quite a few!) this one is my fave, the products are rich and indulgent with a heavenly scent, and they are perfect for treating dry skin, or skin that just needs some deep nourishment in the cooler months. Ideal also if you are treating someone who is about to head away for some Winter Sun, as the ingredients make for an ultra-luxurious after-sun treatment!


Clarins gift sets are always such incredible value, and you make a super saving on the individual value of the products. I chose from a huge range, and picked the Skincare Heroes as the one for this guide, as it features all of my absolute fave pieces, all in this beautiful wash bag. The Gentle Foaming Cleanser is also perfect for using with Clarisonic devices, while the Beauty Flash Balm is a cult favourite. I love treating myself to a pamper night with the Exfoliating Body Scrub followed by the Moisture Rich Body Lotion - and this kit contains them all!



The Omorovicza Introductory Set is a great way for beauty junkies to discover the brand, or top up on their favourites if they're already a fan. Containing the cult favourites including the Deep Cleansing Mask - with Hungarians Moor Mud which pulls all the impurities out of the skin, and the Queen of Hungary Mist - not only delivering moisture but also minerals which have anti-aging benefits for the skin. There's also a Thermal Cleansing Balm which I'm yet to try but have heard about it's greatness, as well as the cleansing foam and balancing moisturiser.


Another one which you can not go wrong with is a set from The Body Shop. I mean, who wouldn't want to open up this heavenly scented gift box, stuffed full of delicious strawberry pampering pieces! Presented in a gorgeous festive box, the Feel So Good gift set contains the Strawberry Shower Gel and Body Polish, a bar of Strawberry Soap, a bath lily and a scrumptious body butter. Plus, for every kit sold, The Body Shop help bring clean water to a family in Ethiopia.


Another one which I chatted about in my Gift Guide video, the SmoothSkin Gold IPL kit is a perfect gift for anyone who loves an at-home beauty treatment, or has considered getting IPL at a salon. It's the speediest kit on the market, and your whole body can be treated in 20 minutes. It's also best to start IPL in Winter when skin isn't as exposed to the sun, so the lucky recipient will be hair-free in time for Summer!


And finally, one which again you can't go wrong with - the Red Carpet Manicure Gel Polish Pro Kit. Now with a gorgeous gold lamp, this kit means that you can give yourself a Gel Manicure at home - aka saving tons of money from salon trips! It's incredibly easy to give yourself a manicure which will  last 2-3 weeks with this kit, and it contains everything you need for your first manicure (and taking it off!) so perfect for the manicure lover, or the one that spends half her pay-cheque in the salon!

Will you be treating anyone to these gifts this Christmas? What's on your wishlist?

xoxo

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