I should be so lucky…

My annual Xmas illness  has reared it’s head. This time it’s a chest infection, but I caught it early & am hoping to get off lightly.  In my search for a silver lining I have come up with the fact that my affliction allows me to stay home & enjoy the festive no man’s land. 

Cosy jammies, Christmas specials on the tv & non stop snacking instead of real meals works for me. Add to that being able to admire all my lovely presents & you have a happy (if coughy) ly. As is my blogger duty, I will now share these delights with all of you. 

My sister gives good gift. She never fails to charm me on Christmas Day. This year was no different. This handmade necklace & earring set is exactly the kind of thing I love; quirky & cool. She also found these amazing pins that I have been coveting for months. They pretty much sum up my current philosophy. She clever sis knows me so well. 


Jennifer Lemon Designs 


Hand over your fairy cakes. 

Next to hit the Xmas home run is my dear old mum. This year she almost single handedly restocked my winter wardrobe. Displaying her flawless style with these picks. 

I can’t get enough velvet. I am buying up as much as possible whilst it’s on trend, so that I can wear it for evermore. This crushed velvet skater was the perfect Xmas day dress. All it needed was a little sparkle provided by my gold high tops (a gift from the mother last winter). She also came up trumps with a 90’s inspired slip, faux fur cardi coat & floral blazer. 


Pink Clove, Marks & Pencers, Joanna Hope. 

She also utilised her crafty skills to make me these adorable cushions.

My favourite,(ok, only) brother in law came up trumps again this year with this shiniest of shiny Kiko lipgloss & cheery notebook with thick, crisp paper. The toy boy rather originally opted for creepy death chocolate plus a rainbow array of incense. Both of which are entirely vegan & fetching. The lovely Lisa surprised me a goddamned perfect mirror for my handbag & books aplenty found their way to me. 

I have also been lucky enough to have received an obligibly fat envelope, delicious meals, fizzy cocktails, amazing company & a number of other things not easily photographed. I am, as my niece would put it, a lucky duck. 


And, so, I am thankful & hope that you are similarly blessed. QUACK. 

I wear t-shirts…

These days weekends are for wedding shopping. This Saturday that took me to Edinburgh. There was entirely too much trekking around, but also some magic moments. I’d rule it a win. 

I was hoping for a dressy vs sloppy look. I got a little scissor happy on this t shirt as the neck line felt restrictive. I rather liked result. I am fond of contrasts & clashes so I’m pleased with this outfit. 

I was frazzled by the time these photographs were taken which may account for my lean up against a phone book pose. My hair do had also given up by this point & been benched with a bobble. Basically, I’ve looked better; hey ho.


Skirt – Glad Rags

T-Shirt – H&M

Kimono – Primark

Incidentally this skirt is the one I picked up at the Glad Rags fashion show for the insanely cheap price of £3.95. Try not to stampede them in your search for a similar bargain. 


After watching my Sis & I getting out pose on Mum decided to get in on the action. 

Day after day…

If, like me you read a lot of blogs, you might wonder from time to time what bloggers look like in their down time. I follow lots of woman who look utterly amazing in their blog shoots. Whilst I’m usually a more low key chick, I thought I’d give you a wee glimpse at a day to day me.

My eyes are closed in about 80% of pictures taken of me. I have to pose for a startling amount before I actually look alive and awake.



Who you gonna call? probably not me as i’m creeped out by the supernatural.

This is my ‘it’s too hot for my ginger self and I may well melt entirely’ look.


German beer wench/pretzel lover.

Bronan often appears not because he takes an interest in what I wear, but because that’s his favourite snoozing spot.

Waterfall cardi proving it’s versatility as part of super comfy outfits.

It was all yellow…

The lovely people at Hotter Shoes & Taking Shape invited me to an event this week. I was pretty sore on Wednesday & wasn’t sure I would make it, but I am so glad I pushed myself.

Taking Shape is a company I had a little experience with as I checked out their stores when I was in Oz. I hadn’t had a chance to peruse their Glasgow store, so their collection was all new to me. The store is a pleasure to shop; clearly zoned, neat, sleek & lovely big changing rooms. The staff are knowledgeable & refreshingly chirpy. So far, so good.

  
 
Regular readers will be aware that I have a penchant for colour. Taking Shape gets a big tick in the brights box. They also easily check off size, fit & variety. There are enough daring pieces to keep a weirdo like me happy, but also plenty of staples. The arrival of a little sun has me drawn to vivid yellows & sheer fabrics, so this top was perfect. I snapped it up & wore it the very next day. 

  
The accessories are also on point. Their range of bold statement necklaces really pleased me. I will definitely be back to stock up.  

 
  

I have to give big props to the PR team who were a dream. Special mention also goes out to the my fellow bloggers who were charm itself & rocking some amazing looks. 

  
Oh & of course a peek at how I wore my sunny new piece.

  
I really love the cut at the bottom.

 

Top – Taking Shape

Skirt – Forever21
Stay tuned for my Hotter adventures. 

* Items have been gifted, but opinions are my own. 

My week (ish) in pictures…

I have been having a lazy, slouchy time of it clothes wise. As such I haven’t snapped too many outfit pics. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been galavanting. It seems a shame not to share some of the moments I’ve captured solely because I didn’t look glam that day. So, here we are, embarking on another week in pictures post. I hope you enjoy a wee nosey into my going ons.

I know a lot of folk find them tacky, but I loves me a mirror selfie. I snap one any time I feel cute or sometimes even when I look amusingly rough. Sushi & Ringo are also always wins.

  
  
I can’t recommend Jonathann Coe enough. If you are new to him I’d start with The Rotters Club & it’s follow up The Closed Circle. Once you have digested those melancholy triumphs, mosey on to this mysterious tale.

  
Drinks with Aidan, hotels with neon stags & my amazing little crazy face pulling niece are all things that bring me glee. 

   
If you haven’t tried Lush’s Intergalactic bath bomb, you need to. Not only does it turn your bath into a blue bliss, but your skin continues to sparkle for hours. Strawberry gloss at Krispy Kreme are also a big hit. 

   
Sometime’s you have to be prepared to do battle. Sabre tooth Tigers will step right out of line if you don’t show them who’s boss. 

  

You’re my cup of tea….

My last spring coaxing post may have worked. We had a lovely mild & bright weekend, which gave me an opportunity to wear a pretty dress. My little sister got engaged last week. Needless to say I am excited, as are both the mother of bride & groom. So, we all went out for afternoon tea & talked weddings. 

  
  

Dainty cakes & such a stunning venue called for a little effort. I whipped this beauty out of hibernation and launched operation pretty.

  

  

  

Dress – Lindy Bop

Belt – Asos Curve

Shoes – Irregular Choice

The cakes may have been delicate, but I am not. 

  
  
 

Swing when you’re winning…

I had a little thing on Monday evening. I did my hair all pretty, but then made the foolish mistake of going out in the wind & rain. I returned home with hair that looked like a hedge. I did a last minute rethink & pimped my bun with some fresh flowers. Let me tell, flowers in your hair make you feel awesome. 

  
I stuck with the floral theme & wore my swing dress. It was a gift from someone lovely & I felt lovely wearing it. I have sort of stumbled into the 50’s look by accident. I must say I have zero regrets. I’m too fickle to devote myself to one style full time, but I’ll certainly be exploring this more.   

 
  
Dress – Lindy Bop

Leggings – Forever21

  

Oh & this spring roll was delicious.

Thank you for the days….

Saying goodbye to my wonderful little muffin has been very difficult. It’s impossible to say how much I miss the girl. Normal blog service will be resumed, but in the mean time here’s another week in pictures. Night’s out with my favourite man, selfies with girl, my family, my city & my puss cat. I hope you see as much beauty in these images as I do. 

   
           

If you enjoy these snaps of my life you can catch more on my Insta.

You can also see more of my writing on a variety of topics in the excellent Swag Guide.

There is a rose in Spanish Harlem….

I nipped into town yesterday in a second opinion & random chat capacity. It was pleasing to get out & about in the world after a week of being mostly at home. Likewise it felt good to put done make up on & try some funky accessories.

I have been oggling flower crowns on other people’s head for ages. I finally took the plunge with this luscious red beauty. I am completely smitten, the search for my next crown has already commenced.

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I am well & truly sick of winter, so I busted out this amazing jungly print maxi to brighten up my day. I got this dress for my Australia trip & I haven’t had it on since. I’ve no idea as I love everything about it.

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I was trying out a new angle on this dress with my favourite belt. Unfortunately, it’s a little too big for me now. I shall have to fashion myself another notch before donning it again. I took a few snaps sans belt too. I’m keen on both looks. What do you think?

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Dress – M&S
Cardigan – Monsoon

A little something to make me sweeter….

I had a bit of a rest last week. I had been very busy the preceding weeks & my poor wonky body was feeling the strain. As a result I didn’t get the chance to take any OOTD pictures. I did however procure a number of treats designed to make me feel lovely. 

There is no better treat than a free treat, so I shall start off with my first freebie (courtesy of a dreaded glossy mag). Balance Me Super Moisturising body wash is exactly what I need at the moment. I have been slathering on copious amounts & my skin is feeling better. 

My next pick me up was a fabulous bargain. I am very fond of big, shiny faux engagement rings. I found this sparkling ‘ruby’ on eBay & had to have it. 

I was lucky enough to receive a 2nd freebie last week. This time some smart glasses from SpecSavers. If you get your contacts from them & sign up to a direct debit they offer you a free pair of specs. It’s a great deal. I picked these round tortoiseshell frames. They are actually from the men’s section, but I love them. I wanted something completely different to my usual style & these fit the bill perfectly. 

My final little delight was actually a Christmas gift. My lovely almost brother in law surprised me with his present buying talents when I opened this Molton Brown candle. I had lit it before, but really appreciated it’s calming scent over the last few days. It’s called Imp’s Whisper, which is a name that pleases me. With hints of lavender, tobacco & vetyver grass it is the perfect soothing scent.