A DOSE OF DENIM

I frequently overhear people discussing how much they love or loved being pregnant.  I can't say this has been the case for me and I'd love to hear about your experiences (I'm currently 27 weeks which is around 7 months for those who are not counting them down).  

For me, I've had to give up several of my real loves; Running, Wine and beautiful clothes.  The running has been a real struggle.  I've suffered with Hyperemesis Gravidarum which is a severe case of morning sickness from around 6 weeks and as I result decided it was best to stop running whilst I was pregnant.  

When getting dressed in the morning I have found the biggest area I have missed is my denim!  I am a huge fan of a good boyfit, a straight leg with a raw edge or a skinny paired with a white shirt and blazer for any day of the week.  As it turns out not all maternity jeans are made equal and some are so uncomfortable!  The waistband join can dig in or is too low and falls down.  The fabric stretches on wash one or they can just feel god dam horrid.  I tried a few pairs from High Street brands maternity lines before admitting that maybe I needed to explore a specialised company.  

Isabella Oliver has a beautiful site filled with simple pieces in black and white with a French meets fashion feel.  I stocked up on a few pieces including these dark indigo boyfit jeans with a cuffed cropped hem.  They are a super-soft denim with a comfy waistband and look as good with Converse as they do with a pair of heels.  I literally have not taken them off. When wearing them to the office I have been adding a black polo neck sweater, black suede boots and some statement earrings.  I also ordered a long sleeve fitted navy tee which is the most beautiful quality and the ruched waist is comfy and very flattering.  This must have been through the washing machine a dozen times already and is as good as new.  

If you have been looking for a few pregnancy wardrobe essentials I highly recommend stocking up on a few pieces from Isabella Oliver to get you though.  Take a look at their site here and let me know your thoughts!  I have added a few of my faves below for you to shop.

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GIFTS FOR THE FASHIONISTA

If you crave monochrome and love accessories this is the gift for you!  I just can't get enough of Ice Watches recent collections and the only decision is whether to opt for a pop of colour or a snow white version.  

Their sporty shape make them perfect for friends who adore the laid back athleisure look.  I love styling mine with a dressy outfit such as a blazer and leather skirt.  If you haven't come across this awesome brand before take a look at their site and the beautiful styles available.  Good luck not popping one for yourself in your basket too though!  Check out some of my favourites below including the prettiest rose gold glitter version.

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HOLIDAY STYLING INSPIRED BY VOGUE PARIS

My favourite editorial has published a winning issue for the holiday season.  Vogue Paris December edition has been guest edited by Karl Largerfeld and his muse Lily-Rose Depp and features beautiful monochrome styling, quirky bling and guest appearances from Choupette the Cat.  There are several beautiful shoots in the issue and I strongly recommend picking up a copy for yourself (you can also download a copy on the App store for just a few pounds).   The inspiring shoot 'Une histoire simple' (A simple story) is styled using key items and interesting accessories.  If you haven't yet stocked up on this season's sock this may just inspire you to do so.  

For those of you who still have no idea what to wear for New Years Eve, Christmas Day or that seasonal party I have pulled 4 of my favourite looks from the shoot and searched the best pieces to recreate them.  They are all extremely chic and very easy to wear.  You won't feel like you are waisting your purchasing on items you will never wear again as these beauties are classics.  Lace socks and dramatic earrings look as good with black brogues and jeans as they do with these party looks.  

For this simple Parisian outfit the skinny polo neck is an easy addition and can be worn throughout the Winter and in to Spring.  I love it in tomato red - it adds wow factor to any look.

If you don't yet own this season's leopard print coat now is the time to pick one up.  Perfect for keeping warm over the holidays whether you are throwing over your shoulders or wrapping up with a wide belt.  You will be just as thankful for this piece in 2017.  Just add some sparkle.

Well it wouldn't be Vogue Paris without a LOT of black.  A classic jumpsuit is my go to when I have no idea what to wear.  Just add some lace and pretty accessories.

Tomato red is my colour of choice and I love the contrasting socks and heels styling.  If you only have a few pounds to spend on a new outfit this is the easiest way to update your look.

GIFTS FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER - PART I

I simply adore this time of year.  The parties, the food, the Christmas classics playing on the radio on the drive back from work.  Everything just feels like it has been coated in a sprinkle of glitter.  Picking the perfect gifts for friends and family can be really tricky so in the weeks leading up to Christmas I'm going to be running through a few of my favourites.  

This Beauty Bento Box is first up on my list of must have gifts.  A new addition for Christmas from one of my all time favourite brands, DHC.  I'm sure you have read about them on TNS before but this Japanese brand do skincare like nobody else.  At under £15 this pretty black and pink box is filled with the classics and is perfect for female friends, family or secret Santa recipients.    

Buried in pretty fuchsia tissue twirls you get a generous miniature of the amazing Deep Cleansing Oil, a mini mild facial soap, their beautiful blotting papers and two packs of my FAVE revitalising moisture strips for eyes.  I know, exactly what you need to get through the holiday season right?  These boxes are going to fly so stock up now.  One for them one for yourself?

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WINTER DREAMING

Light is something that has always fascinated me.  As someone who often picks up a paintbrush or drawing pencil you become very aware of the way sunlight changes throughout the year.  The high sun in the middle of summer creates cold, almost blue rays.  As the seasons change and you head towards winter the light begins to shower everything it touches in a golden haze.

If you're planning to get outside and make the most of this cold but beautiful weather there is no better way to enjoy it than in an elegant pair of ankle boots.  A great pair makes winter dressing effortless.  Just add your favourite denim, a simple knit and a smudge of lippy and you are sorted day after day.  I'm in love with this Dune burgundy suede style.  Their high ankle and lacing detail add just the right amount of luxury whilst looking incredibly simple.  The block heel means they are comfy enough to wear all day whether stomping around London or enjoying the silent countryside.  Shop these Orchid boots and a few of my other Dune favourites below.

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FLAWLESS

When it comes to my foundations I'm pretty set in my ways.  After all, when you're happy why shop around?  I have used the same two products by Clinique and Nars on and off for the past few years and have no complaints.  I like a light but good coverage liquid foundation that I apply with a beauty blender sponge to create a natural but blemish free finish.

With the increase in natural beauty products about I have taken quite an interest in not just how my make up works but also what is in it.  Are the ingredients good for my skin?  How about the environment?  I have had some hit and miss trials along the way but then I found this gem.  Australian brand Dusty Girls uses natural clays and minerals in their skincare that are good for your skin.  These products are perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or who just wants to put something 'good' on their face instead of chemicals.  The entire range is natural, healthy and vegan.

I have never got along with powder foundations in the past, finding them either useless or unnatural looking, so I didn't have high hopes for this Mineral Foundation Powder.  Using a large round brush I dabbed it into the insignificant looking power and started to dab onto my face.  I actually couldn't believe the results and have had to use it for several days to be sure.  The power is so light you can't see that you are really applying anything, however on the skin it looks natural yet gives brilliant coverage.  Any winter blemishes and redness suddenly vanished with very little work or product.  The colour is perfect and there is no powdery finish.  It just looks natural yet groomed.  I have been using it daily as it gives full enough coverage for work and weekends.

This natural make up leaves skin in great condition without the drying effect that some chemical foundations can cause.  I'm hugely impressed with this product and will definitely be stocking up!  

Tip - If you sign up for their pretty newsletter on the website now you can get 15% off.  I'm pretty fair skinned and used Medium Minerals w Golden Light.

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Dusty Girls Natural Mineral Foundation £17.50

WISH LIST

There is no getting away from it now Christmas is coming!  I thought I'd pull together an early wish list to help you shop for friends and family who may just have similar taste to myself.  You may even see some pieces here you want to add to your own list.  These chic gifts will last well beyond December.

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YSL Crocodile Card Holder - £150 Selfridges

YSL Red Leather Card Holder - £150 Selfridges

I've been after a card holder for as long as I can remember because a wallet is just TOO big for a small shoulder bag.  These YSL designs are beautiful forever pieces that will never date.  If you are after a more inexpensive but still delicious option Whistles have a great collection for just £25.  Their Croc (here) and Red Leather (here) are my favourites.  

Lancome Juicy Shaker - £18 John Lewis

In every shade of red and nude please!  I can't believe I still don't own one of these lip softening beauties. The Juicy Shakers are made from lip nourishing oils and colour pigments to plump your lips whilst leaving them butter soft.   The perfect gift for all of the women in your life.

Bella Freud Wool Jumper - £280 Selfridges

Bella Freud Signature Candle - £40

Because I have dreamt of Freud's classic Parisian knits for as long as I can remember.  They will never date or go out of style.  One of my personal Icons Freud now also has a fantastic selection of perfumes and candles that smell incredible.  Her signature matches in their beautiful logo box make a great dinner party gift at just £18.

Red Knit Sweater - & other stories £35

Yes, there's a red theme to my winter crushes.  This knit adds colour to my monochrome wardrobe in the simplest way.  Indigo jeans, this knit and red lip is a dreamy combination. & other stories is one of my favourite stores and I could quite happily own everything in there.

Mon Ami T shirt - Whistles £50

A breton tee may last forever but after a lot of wear they do start to get a little tired.  This Mon Ami printed long sleeve T shirt is the perfect update.  Wear it now with a metallic mini or trousers and after the party season with pale denim jeans.

Bigger Bolder Brow Kit in 01 - Benefit at John Lewis £28.50

Because I will happily wear zero makeup as long as my brows are groomed!  Benefits Ka Brow looks amazing and I have wanted to give it a go ever since it launches.  This pretty kit includes all the essentials for creating amazing brows every day.  Blondes go for 01 Light but their website also has a great tool to help you find the shade and kit for you.

Champagne Truffels - Charbonnel et Walker £4.50

Charbonnel et Walker truffles are the most delicious chocolates on the planet and it I could I would only eat these all year.

White Circular Satin Top - & other stories £65

There is a chance I'm addicted to white shirts.  I live in the things!  This zip pull neckline feels sporty and fun.  

Mini Hoop Earrings - & other stores £12

Earrings are the only piece of jewellery you need at the moment.  Sometimes huge styles get tiresome putting in and out but these gold minimal hoops would take you from day to night, Monday to Sunday.  Super pretty and feel far more luxurious than their £12 price tag.

WISH LIST - THE WINTER COAT

Ever since Balenciaga sent their padded jacket down the catwalk the fashion world has been going a little bit crazy.  This anti-fashion, practical coat has gained serious cool-girl appeal.  Best styled off the shoulder with a lace body or polo-neck sweater, this down filled classic is another fashion item to land that is actually going to keep us warm this winter.  An oversized black style is the simplest option and makes creating a monochrome wardrobe easy.  If you are after something with a little more wow-factor then follow in Balenciaga's footsteps and head for red.  Look for details that make it stand out from the traditional puffer such as large quilting, high necklines, cropped hems and zip details.  These are a few of my favourites out now...

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Black Belted Down Coat - Stradivarius £79.99

Green Down Coat - Mango £59.99

Red Coat With Zip Detail - Zara £69.99

Khaki Satin Crop Coat - boohoo.com £35

Black Shell Jacket - net-a-porter £945

AN ACTIVE LIFE

I'm not sure anything beats the freedom of wearing trainers to bounce from meeting to meeting on a manic work day.  When you have appointments in Central London, then East, then back to Central.  When the tubes are delayed and the bus didn't turn up and you suddenly have the ability to walk there instead.  

From kicks to bomber jackets, joggers to baseball caps, active clothing has been filling our fashionable wardrobes for a few seasons.  Styling one of two fitness pieces with a silk slip dress, simple tee or satin trench makes them perfect for work or weekend.  As someone who is a bit of a sucker for keeping fit and healthy I love the freedom these pieces give you.  

Move over clothing as now it's our accessories turn!

I first started lusting over activity trackers around a year ago when as a runner I realised wearing one of these clever watches meant I could track my route, speed, time and more.  Gone was the need for strapping my large phone to my arm.  Gradually more features appeared on these devices including your heart rate, monitoring your sleep, tracking your steps and even details of a  phone call or text.  Ok, so now it's a serious gadget.  

Although I'm currently on a break from running (I'm nearly five months pregnant and have suffered horribly with serious morning sickness) I am finding my Fitbit is still giving me the motivation to stay active.  I'm jumping off the tube early to get my steps up or taking a weekend walk in the park.  These watches are no longer for gym bunnies but for gadget lovers everywhere.  Plus they are fun!

Fitbit's new Charge 2 heart rate and fitness wristband is even better with it's interchangeable straps, calendar alerts and guided breathing sessions.  This may just be something you want to add to your Christmas list! I know I will be.

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Watch - Fitbit / Trainers - Nike Cortez / Bomber - Topshop / Leggings - Gap / Earrings H&M

MAKE MINE METALLIC

I'm sure you have noticed that this season metallic boots are HUGE.  Prada did bronze, Bottega Veneta did silver and pewter was the colour of choice for Jimmy Choo.  The best news is this new monochrome goes with everything and is set to stay.

I haven't stopped wearing these beautiful high cut pointed chelsea boots since I received them and they make the simplest outfit look just that little bit different.  Paired with denim and a white shirt or a skirt and sheer tights they add a little magic.  The soft leather makes them incredibly comfortable and ideal to stomp in all day from office to bar.  

The best news is they are from High Street store Next and so are super affordable!  Their boots, heels and flats this season are beautiful as well as being great value.  I have added six of my favourite styles below for you to browse and snap up including the Metallic Leather Point Chelsea boots I'm wearing above.  Good luck not buying all six!

This post is in collaboration with Next however all views are my own.

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TIME FOR FALL DRESSING

Hello Fall my favourite Season!  You are the Season of layering, lace, leather, mini meets oversized and accessories.  Most of all you are the Season of dresses.  Party dresses, work dresses, day to night dresses and Christmas dresses.  

Now the cold weather has arrived I couldn't wait to stock up on a few new purchases to update my wardrobe and this beautiful chunky lace mini dress was top of my list.  I adore the navy, black and burgundy colour pallet which makes it perfect for the office with patent brogues or a party with  tie up heels.  Here I've added sheer black tights, calf boots and a stack of black bangles.  I am going to live in this dress this season!

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Lace Katrina dress - Jones & Jones

Leather boots - Jimmy Choo

Silk coat - & other stories