GlamRosie

My London Survival Kit

2013-05-19T21:26:00.000+01:00

I am spending approximately 3.5 hours a day commuting to and from London at the moment. I'm working with an amazing store and really enjoying it but I will admit the commute is a bit exhausting (hence my lack of posts - but fear not, it's not forever!). I have been so grateful for a few key pieces that have helped me survive so far. Firstly, my Mulberry Bayswater. I will admit to buying this 3+ years ago as it was a very 'on trend' handbag and I had to have one. It did get used, but not as much as it should. However it has shown it's true colours now. I love that I can just chuck everything in it (lunch, shoes etc) and I can let out the sides for it to expand and hold all my junk. Once at work I can then unpack it and do it up again, making it sleeker. The simple internal pocket is perfect for easy access to passes and the single twist lock closure is a no fuss quick lock, perfect for a London commute. The handles are great for either over the arm or on shoulder. My Baywater's has had a new lease of life. I am loving the raspberry colour (originally thought it was red when I purchased it...) and have had several comments on it's cheerfulness. I also must add that the studs on the button are a double up in regards to this sturdy bag. It's a hard wearing tough leather, I would really recommend if you are going to be hard on your handbag.

I purchased these Jones Bootmaker ballet pumps a while ago now for the bargain price of £15. They are leather inside and out and have really moulded to my feet. They are easy to slip on and off ready for the commute and still look good after wear every day for the past 3 weeks.

I use my Bare Minerals powder first thing but throughout the day I need to touch up especially after being on the trains. It gives a great matte look and the solid surround means the powder doesn't break up.

My true savour is this Jessica nude nail polish called 'Sweet Tooth' (No; 434). I apply just the one coat the day before (this picture is just the one coat) then the second on the train the next day. By letting the first coat dry with no extra layer straight away, I find it's a firmer base and the colour lasts up to 3 days. Even after that as it's nude, even if there is a slight chip it's barely noticeable. I am missing wearing a brighter colour however time doesn't allow for a daily colour change so this is doing the job of tidy manicured nails perfectly.

Press Day Round Up's

2013-05-11T21:39:00.000+01:00

I've been so fortunate of late to go to some fantastic press days (and many owing to my great blogger buddies passing on details - thank you!). I went to some PR ones which was great as not only did they give me an insight to what was ahead for brands I already know, but they also introduced me to some brands I'd not heard about before.

I discovered My Beauty Emporium from the Modus PR agency press day, a wonderful on line beauty website who gave me some samples of Katima'A to try. I've used the scrub and serum and so far I'm impressed. They contain Argan Oil (in my ignorance I thought this was for hair!) and what stood out straight away for me was the scent. They don't claim to have any particular smell, so whether it's the argan oil I am attracted to I don't know, but it's like a rich buttery chocolate smell and I loved it. The scrub felt like it did the job but didn't rip my face off. I used the serum before bed under my night cream and although it was oily at first, my skin lapped it up and it felt like I was giving it a real treat for the night.

Serum £49.96, scrub £26

Next up I had a blast with fellow bloggers Kat and Avril last month at the Fenn Wright Manson press day. We had a very privileged sneaky peak at their AW13 (sorry, not allowed to share any piccies but needless to say they had some fantastic key pieces and prints) but also got to play dress up with their SS13 collection. Being such a petite one I struggled with the sizes they had so didn't manage a full outfit but I did love their silky top that Avril was actually wearing on the day and Kat looked great in the bold blue.

My favourite look of their collection and also my favourite colour pallet

Avril, Kat and myself all in FWM's Bella top (now £45)

My lush smelling Moroccan Blush Rose candle, thank you FWN!

And lastly a brand I had heard of but not paid a lot of attention to before, Kat & Bee jewellery. Thanks to Emslie Creative I got to have a closer look at the amazing pieces of jewellery this brand has to offer in the coming months. The rings stood out immediately but even more so when it was pointed out they all had tiny little skulls hidden within them. Wow!

Stunning selection of their necklaces

How different is this!

Apologies to all my regular readers for the lack of posts this week. Whilst I have this short term contract in London, my days are very long and I have little time left between getting home and hitting the sack. I have so much still to share (I've been shopping - woohoo!) so bare with me, it's not for long and soon I will be back to more regular posts which I am missing writing.

PS none of this is a sponsored post, just my favourites from what I've seen and wanted to share.

Some More Pink In My LIfe

2013-05-04T22:06:00.000+01:00

Yipee the sun has been shining this week! After a complete melt down thinking I'd lost my fashion mojo, I am pleased (unlike my husband) to report it has found me again, phew. A trip to H&M Knightsbridge and I got me some business clobber, yes H&M really! Amazing how much more you see in a store in the capital to others. More in a future post. Today I just wanted to share some colour this week.

First it comes in the form of this Clarins Crystal Lip Balm £18 (I had a voucher, so £3.50 pour moi - bargain!). I saw this in a magazine, and as a lip balm addict, thought I'd give it a try. The colour is in the middle, with a clear balm around the edge. You can make it as deep as you like. I've been applying it like a normal lipstick first thing, then using the outer edge to moisten my lips through out the day. I would highly recommend.

Shade Crystal Rose 05

Secondly I've been playing with belts this week (pants as always at having time to take a photo when I'm rushing out of the house) but I did manage to grab one today (although you can hardly see the belt and this took approx 10 attempts before the hubby got the hump so blame him). My old faithful jeans are getting looser through wear and I fancied adding some pink to go with my blush pink sweater so added this patent leather slim belt. I chose a deeper shade of pink to compliment the sweater, I like doing tonal colour pallets. I've found another hole in my wardrobe - an animal print slim belt, so that's now on my list of 'needs' (!).

Scarf - Temperley, Panther print
Sweater - Tommy Hilfiger (TK Maxx)
Belt - Hobbs
Jeans - Topshop Baxter
Boots - Marks & Spencer Limited Collection

Just before I leave you all in peace to enjoy the bank holiday week-end, if any of you live near Amersham, please pop along to the lovely Coco Marie boutique on Tuesday evening. They are holding this great event, and after a sneaky preview of their current stock, I predict the till to be busy busy busy that evening.

Business Attire - Where Do You Shop?

2013-05-01T21:43:00.000+01:00

So I have a short term contract to help out an amazing store which has led me back to formal business clothing.  Having enough to get me through this week only, when possible I've been hunting down some new options.  I don't want to invest tons into this section of my wardrobe, as its not needed.  I am looking for a skirt, nothing to structured, a blazer and a few dresses, all items that can be worn again and dressed down when they aren't needed for business.  So far I've been into Topshop, Cos, Gap, H&M and Zara.  And I came out with nothing.  I feel my shopping ban has left me with no desire to shop (or so my husband is leading me to believe).  So in an effort to avoid that horrendous scene that we all have in the mornings where clothes fly everywhere, I've adopted the internet to save me.  With no crowds, time restrictions, trains to run for, children to run after, I think this is just going to have to work for me at the moment.  So here is what I've found but I'm yet to hit the order button!

Skirt - American Vintage £49.99 at Atterley Road (NB this would come up longer on me being short, have measured it!)

£35.99 Zara - now thinking a little too dressy

£25.99 Zara - my favourite so far in style, cut, price & ease of wear

£35.99 Zara - second favourite

£45.99 Zara - now thinking a little too dressy also

£17.99 Gap - I have these in the black and the fit is amazing

£27.99 Gap - the only reason I'm holding off is I missed out on an extra 20% off sale items the other day, so now feel like I'm being cheated if I pay this price (even though they are still reduced). I want a comfy solid shoe to walk about in, rather than an un-structered ballet pump. Not the most glamorous I know but needs must and I will have heels in my bag!

I nearly placed 8 dresses into my basket with Zara, with free delivery and returns it is very easy to do. then thought some more into this. Tights have to be worn for this contract but in my every day life, I prefer to go bare legged so that needs to be taken into consideration. Now on to another long standing debate I regularly have with my husband. I set myself a budget of £100 to try and kit myself out with a few pieces. Should none of this fit and I not find anything, do I just buy what I like? Had I done this previously, I may not be clutching at straws now in a blind panic that I have very little formal attire. The coat below I fell in love with a while ago, I saw it on someone today, amazing. I also love the yellow blazer. It works great with denim and if it's not any brighter in the flesh, could look as good with black trousers. I just feel that the prices are so much to spend on one garment for myself (yet I so would advise others to!). Do I just bite the bullet and order the lot in a vain hope or do I waste more time thinking? I believe I have my answer!

£99.99 Zara

£69.99 Zara

Shopping Ban Lifted - & I Can't Shop!

2013-04-28T21:37:00.000+01:00

So since my last purchase I have completed a month of no shopping, congratulations me! With that in mind and the fact I have a contract in the centre of London, smart business attire needed, I hot footed it in to town today to try and grab a few key pieces to see me through. Having worked in smart/casual environments for the best part of 10 years, my business clothing has depleted and at best, I reckon it's going to last me the week. I was after some separates, namely a skirt and perhaps another pair of trousers. Nothing. I'll take that a step further, not only was there nothing for me in smart clothing, nothing casual jumped out at me either! Everything I looked at I scrutinised and felt wasn't worthy of my hard earned pennies. It seems my break has done me good, it's made me appreciate what works for me and not scrimp on quality for a fast fashion/shopaholic fix. Mmmm, how long will it last I wonder?

I did find these lovelies to share with you though, £49.99 from Marks & Spencer. They were so well padded and looked very comfy, it's just the ankle strap that I have an issue with. I must make an effort to get used to them as I really like them on people, I just feel restricted and uncomfortable when I walk in them.

I thought this cute little cosmetic case from Next was very quirky and a great reminder to us all.

Note to self, save these socks for the house only. Didn't plan on trying on any shoes, but was having a play and forgot I'd put these on, oops!

And finally, a mug shot! Posing is not my strong point, I've said it before. This was the best of about 10 and both eyes were open! I just wanted to share my bargain £2 dress from H&M I blogged about previously. I've worn it twice now but this time I added my heeled M&S boots and a slightly clashing vertical stripe on my cardigan. I have worn these boots more times than I thought, they seem to go with everything and with heels I feel my posture is better.

Tunic - H&M
Cardigan - Ralph Lauren (Bicester Village)
Leggings - Topshop
Boots - M&S

TK Maxx, Next & My Wish List Item

2013-04-25T21:47:00.000+01:00

Well I decided to throw caution to the wind and enter a few shops post school run the other day. My eldest needed a new rucksack and it was easier to drop in to a small retail park than go into town. So I braved TK Maxx to get one for her. I of course started to have a look through the ladies rails but no sooner had I started, and found some great items, I ran away to the kids department. This ban (self imposed to any new readers) seems to have really dragged on and boy have I found it hard. Shopping comes so naturally to me, bargains seem to find me, it was just what I was born to do (not sure if I have previously mentioned I did study drama - so yes, dramatics have come out!).

I found this great little smock dress by French Connection, £82 down to £24.99. Such a easy piece to wear with cropped leggings in the Summer and an amazing price with all that detail.

Then there were these shorts. The pictures don't do then justice and I am first to admit that, but honestly they were better in the flesh. I can't do short shorts, nor being petite can I do very long ones either, these were a great in between but I would turn them up a few times just to add a more relaxed look. The print is small enough not to be to in your face, but enough to make them more than a plain boring short. Maison Scotch is not a brand I usually buy but I thought this price at TK Maxx was a great introduction to the brand for people like me who haven't bought before.

Close up of the print

Popped my head in the door at Next (for the kids obviously) and was greeted head on with these cheerful jeans. £20 - wow! Great price Next, very impressed.

And if I wasn't on a ban and wanted to buy a loved but not needed item (we all need a few purchases like this once in a while) then I would head to Zara for these, £49.99. I love a nude based shoe, it elongates shorter legs and the studding on these are so current and add interest to what can be a dull colour on some.

So come on, taunt me some more, what have you been buying this week?

PS Marks & Spencer sale now on, usually some great bargains, for people who are shopping that is......

Clarks AW13 Press Day Round Up!

2013-04-22T22:13:00.001+01:00

Welcome!

One of my favourites so far - and I'll openly admit that the way to my heart is helped along by food (shallow I know). And on that day, Clarks delivered! The concept upon arrival was that of a 'Market Stall' environment. You were given a large tote to fill with the fruit and veg displayed around the room not before being talked through their fabulous collections.

Some of their displays

Random I know to take a photo of the inside of a shoe but the black suede ankle boots (named 'Curtain Ring'!) have their soft ware feature, so extra padding for dancing the night away. The suede was so luxurious, the pictures really didn't do them justice. Ankle straps were a big feature for next seasons party collection.

AW13 Party Shoes!

I stopped for a little tea break and scrumptious muffin whilst I jotted down some notes in their 'grassed area'.

Tea break!

Refreshed and rested I started on some more shots of their lovely boots. The tall Italian black leather boots are a classic, a great addition to any wardrobe. Pony skin was another feature from them, from a more casual block heeled burgundy boot to a more dressy black wedge. Throw in a worn look ankle cowboy boot and your collection is complete!

AW13 Boot Collection

Finally some super sharp flats in the form of brogues and Clarks highest ever (yes apparently so) heel at 4" bought to you courtesy of Mary Portas - thank you Mary! Love the spikes around the heels, adds something different to the classic court.

Flats & their highest heel yet!

And finally me! I wore my trusted Topshop Baxter jeans (my older ones as still love them with a worn look), a Warehouse top, French Connection coat and Marks & Spencer boots. Not forgetting my favourite item ever, my Balenciaga Velo handbag. Night all! x

Thank you Clarks!

A Quick Whiz Round London

2013-04-19T21:58:00.003+01:00

I am pleased (not happy) to report that I have continued with my shopping ban, even though in the last 2 weeks I have been in the big smoke 3 times. It is getting a little boring now, I just want to purchase but the end goal of holiday funds is still very present in my mind so needs must. Boooo hiss.

Dream world allowed for a split second, the lovely Kat from Does My Bum Look 40 steered Avril (School Gate Style) & I into Anthropologie. I haven't been to their Regent Street store before and I will definitely not be passing it again. It was vintage meets fashion meets comfy and I loved it. On the pricier side for me but in a world where I wasn't watching the pennies, I so would.

£48

£118

£228

We were in London for a Press Day (more on that on another post) but of course managed to have a quick peak in some stores. Also on route was & Other Stories a new offering from H&M. Different but I liked it. For some reason I only grabbed a few shots, I was just taking it all in. It was minimal in appearance, no fuss. Clean and clear if that makes any sense at all. Very modern and dare I say it, it didn't come across as 'cheap' looking as H&M can sometimes (don't get me wrong, note previous post, I do like H&M and I do shop there). It definitely needs another visit to absorb it better. I did find a great tan leather iPad case for £45 which seemed very reasonable as it had space in the side for cards etc.

As Avril said, it had an 'industrial' feel

I will leave you with this lovely little note from & Other Stories, my personal style story this week; tired.com! Night all! x

Confession - but only a £2 one!

2013-04-16T21:39:00.000+01:00

So I've decided to be very honest and admit that my self imposed shopping ban may have be ever so slightly broken. But it was only a £2 dress, and I'd been working in the shopping centre all week-end so had been very controlled. Then I was given a free £5 voucher (my sister didn't use it) and I hatewaste.com so felt it only right. I headed straight for H&M as it was on my way out (see, there was some thought into breaking my ban in only one shop). They had a sale on so after I took a few piccies of some full priced items that I liked, I headed to the correct section. I've just had a quick look on line and it's £12 but for some reason they were £7 in store, so £2 to me! Please can I just say I also made my own lunch that day and didn't spend a penny on food, so I kind of felt it was justifiable right?

Originally it was £19.99 and only has an 8% wool content, the rest man made fabric's so I wouldn't have bought it at that price as I'm not expecting it to last long. But for £2 (or £7) it was a quick, cheerful, easy addition to my wardrobe. I am huge lover of the breton stripe, I did move slightly outside my box and went for a brighter coloured option (others also available on the web). I know, I hear what your saying, making my own packed lunch, £2 on a dress, opting for cerise instead of black/navy/white stripes, I know how to live... Family holiday saving account, it get's me every time!

I love the simple buttons down the back

I hold my hands up again, I didn't get a picture of me wearing it, I am always running out the door. But I teamed it very simply with black leggings and black biker boots. I wanted to add some grunge to the girly pink!

Two of my favourite finds in store that day;

I always opt for light weight cotton, embroidered tops like this in the Summer, great with rolled up jeans

Not one to wear a pattern on my lower half but I appreciate them on the right people. Love this bright blue

And I will finish by saying that I refrained from the Gap sale yesterday. They had an additional 20% off on line, but nope, I backed away. All in the name of a damn good holiday (it best be worth it!).

My Shop of the Week - Superdry

2013-04-12T22:18:00.002+01:00

I had a great day at the Superdry AW13 press day at their flagship store in Regent Street, London. I have a few pieces of Superdry in my wardrobe, mainly hoodies. But my I was pleasantly surprised by what was to follow. A fantastic range of really wearable day pieces to easily fit into your wardrobe. Prints for jeans were still very much present, as was the neon trend. But the way it was worked into more structured garments really caught my eye. Embellishment on trims really changed the garment from casual to evening or a more chic day look. Of course the collection wouldn't be theirs without their hoodies and these were bought up to date with sequinned trims also, and no heavy branding on these ones. I felt that as a working Mum of two, it was definitely more my cup of tea. A move on from casual to smart/casual. Thats not to say they didn't have their usual colour flash of tracksuit style wear with their logo, but I was so mesmerised by everything else it didn't feature on my radar. Their new make-up range was also a welcome surprise. With very reasonable price points (lippy £8) and amazing scents (coconut - lush) they had a great capsule range to start their collection. Oh and they ended on a high - I found two silk numbers, one of my favourite fabrics, completely won over! They definitely upped their came and I came away really excited by what was to come.

PS Apologies in advance, I did get a little camera happy and had an 'angle' thing going on that day but I couldn't not share as seemed wasteful to limit the beauty!

PPS Some items already available on their website.

Some gifted samples, the hand cream I tried there, it smelt good enough to eat!

Coloured and printed denim,

Close up on those panther print - my favourite

Some more printed bottom, colour pop on the right

Check out their watch collection if you haven't already. Rose gold still very much present. £119.99

I love the structure and cut of this, personally I like high neck tops (small bust!) and the darker colour slims out my broader shoulders

The back of the top is the same as the dress version. I love the combination of a more day/casual fabric dressed up with a sleek shape and an open back. Relaxed glamour!

Neon trim, modernising a classic look

A more formal slant for them but keeping it simple, such a flattering shape.

Another classic simple shaped winner

Full on sequin on the left, with a strapless number and sequin embellishment on the right

Casual wool cape

And the sequin trims start here!

Can you see the sparkle in the skirt?

And a sexy drop back

Swing vest dressed up with neon orange sequin trim

And all done by hand

Add some sparkle to those hoodies!

More sparkle

Timothy Everest collection

One of my favourite fabrics, silk, thank you for using it Superdry!

And a silk dress

Their press release; "Womenswear is all grown up with a collection that offers modern, feminine glamour." It is just that. Good job done Superdry.

So Dior at Harrods (and a few extra's)

2013-04-09T21:47:00.002+01:00

I was lucky enough to have a spare 15 minutes when I was in Harrods the other day, so I of course headed straight up to the Dior exhibit. You are transported into another world - Christian Dior's world, which started with his first collection in 1947. True to Harrod's usual standards, it did not disappoint. This is free, I just wanted to point out, you get to view these amazing dresses up close, read the history and watch short films all in a special cordoned off area, within the store. If you are there it's well worth a visit and give yourself more than 15 minutes!

The leaflet handed out at the start

Welcomed by a large 'dolls house' lit up

Afternoon suit Spring/Summer 1947

Sketch

Special creation 2011, Parfume collection

Charlize in the dress

Autumn/Winter 2012 Haute Couture Dress

Pictures do not do it justice

Natalie in the dress

Autumn/Winter 1959 worn by Audrey Hepburn

Audrey in the dress

Upon exiting

Beautiful sight!

And just a few extra luxurious lovelies to share, I couldn't wonder through and not take some photos to upload for you all to see.

Louis Vuitton

Mulberry

Mulberry (LOVE)

Chanel

Needs no title, sheer beautifulness

Chanel wall art

Kids-wear - Gucci anyone?

And back to reality, 20% off at French Connection with the code STYLIST1, happy shopping peeps!

Jeans on our High Street

2013-04-06T21:25:00.000+01:00

I've had a very busy day helping ladies into the right style jean for them at the Jean Genie event in The Chimes shopping centre, Uxbridge. We were spoilt for choice with all the styles currently available on our High Street but a few really did shine through and work well on people. Starting with Next's Lift, Slim & Shape Boot Cut at £45. These worked a treat on ladies needing a little extra support around the tummy and bum area. They didn't come up as flared as they looked on the hanger, which pleased all of the ladies that tried them on. The general consensus was that they really made them feel supported and the slightly thicker denim really helped them fit perfectly where they needed to. One lovely lady was so pleased with the way her bum looked she rushed out of the changing room to show her mum! These also come in slim and skinny cut's as well as a range of colours. So give them a try, the ladies were all pleasantly surprised.

Another boot cut working well on the 'apple' shape to balance out the body was Debenhams designer range, Star by Julien Macdonald. These currently have 20% off so £45 down to £36. These came up slightly lower, so more a mid rise jean but again, the thick well cut fabric was a winner.

Star by Julien Macdonald

River Island's super skinny Amelie jean was very popular for the 'skinny jean' lovers. At £30 they sit in the middle of higher priced denim and cheaper, thinner fabric ones. Yet the thickness of the denim was just as good as the top end High Street prices.

River Island

And the last pair I'm going to share tonight was a very reasonable priced pair from Dorothy Perkins. These were a straight leg jean, and a slightly lighter fabric which worked well with this classic shape. These are priced at £25 and available in 3 different lengths and a variety of colours.

Dorothy Perkins

After seeing so many different pairs of jeans on a variety of body shapes, it does remind me that jeans are one of those items that just takes times to get right. There really is a huge variety out there across shapes, budgets and colours. Make sure when you go searching you give yourself the time that this valuable item needs in order to find your perfect pair.

My Shops of the Week - in my Dream World!

2013-04-03T21:46:00.000+01:00

So we are now the second of the month, and so far so good, no clothing/shoe shopping done. Phew. Only another 28 days to last. Instead of bringing you my one 'shop/brand of the week', I thought I would mix it up a little and share with you my favourite shops for certain areas of my wardrobe. Oh and in a dream world of no shopping ban, what I would purchase if I was let loose in there!

Smart; Zara

Coat £99.99

Dress £25.99

Casual; Gap

Khakis £35.99

£29.95

Fashion; Topshop

£40

£32

An idea of how they could look together

Shoes & Handbags; TK Maxx & Zara

Zara £39.99

Zara £59.99

TK Maxx (Dune) £29.99

TK Maxx (Gant) £34.99

TK Maxx £69.99

Accessories; New Look

£4.99

£14.99

£5.99

Now I've finished zooming around the internet searching out some fab finds to share with you, I'm back to reality and my bank balance. April's going to be a long old month!

Faux Leather/Wet Look Leggings

2013-03-31T21:48:00.001+01:00

A little late to join this trend, but then I have never been trend led, I just like well styled, classic, quality clothing, sometimes I throw in a twist. This I guess is my twist. After recently seeing the lovely Fiona over at Avenue 57 in some faux leather trousers, I loved how she dressed them down yet they still looked effortlessly cool. I am a jeans girl through and through, they are my smart/casual comfort zone. I try to push away from them at times, this is one of those times. My friend came to visit me the other day wearing some shiny type of leggings. They were very subtle, I didn't notice properly until I saw them in better lighting but they just looked a little smarter (and cooler dare I say it!) than normal leggings. Originally I took photo's of her cute Clark's boots but then I got closer and saw the leggings! They were from Tesco's over a year ago. I am not so sure they are the a 'true' wet look type, but as I'm not sure I could do the whole faux leather/wet look just yet (baby steps for new styles of course) they seemed a great in between way to try something new. I'm off to google some (research purposes only, purchasing ban still in place) as they are not on line at Tesco, so if you can recommend any, please share.

Not the best photo, but originally I was focusing on the boots!

Fab boots though!

My wish list item this week, these coral courts from Topshop, called 'Gwenda'. They are suede, and I have a thing about suede shoes for some reason. At £58 I don't think that's a bad price at all. Oh and I have a shoe thing at the moment also........

Animal Sandals (for when the sun makes an appearance!)

2013-03-29T21:49:00.000Z

I braved a few stores for some last minute Easter treats today, not sure what I thought I might find that fitted the bill in there but I did pop my head into Next. Dangerous on a very strict shopping ban, so I thought at the very least it was material to share in todays blog (who am I trying to kid?). I make no secret of my love for animal and breton print, silk and cashmere. So my natural homing device led me straight to these babies. All leather £22 (although the website states £18 so order on line quickly!). I daren't try them on, I need to last a whole month, yes a whole month of no purchases, Lord give me strength. So Wednesday 1st May, I am back there hoping they don't fit and I can prove the husband wrong and I've lasted a month and a day with no purchases. Wish me luck!

£26 Jewelled version

£18 Tan version

Spring/Summer Wedding Outfits & Some House of Fraser Sale Bargains

2013-03-26T22:12:00.000Z

I was asked for some ideas for an investment dress for a wedding a client had coming up. She wanted to spend a bit more than normal as the dress needed to be used again for a similar occasions. With this in mind and having seen the Hobbs Invitation range in the flesh a few weeks previously, I pointed her in their direction. I also recommended the new Somerset by Alice Temperley range in John Lewis (or to pop to her store in Bicester Village if she was near!). Here is some of my favourites.

Somerset by Alice Temperley

£160

£150

Hobbs Invitation

£159 now £109

£189

£169 (so lovely they deserved a spot on here!)

And just because I love to share a bargain, House of Fraser have some great ones in their sale right now, I love both of these from Firetrap.

£65 down to £19.50

£75 down to £15.75

A little competition for anyone who likes to dabble, FeelUnique have teamed up with The Sunday Times Style 2013 Beauty Awards. Vote for your favourite products here by the 14th April & 5 lucky voters will get a £500 Beauty Dash and the first 500 voters will each win £20 e-vouchers. Good luck!

I Love my Boots!

2013-03-24T21:12:00.000Z

Yay my bargain M&S boots got their second outing today for a kid's birthday party. I am so pleased with them. For £35 I feel they have really woken up my look, black boots would only heighten my negative mood with this ridiculous whether we are having. I paid more for my jeans and coat! Good old M&S and their sales. My only slight grumble is that they are a rather hard suede and dig in my ankle when I walk. However I may be being slightly unfair as this is only my second wear, and both have been short times so they probably need breaking in some more. Either way, the slight discomfort will be endured as they are worth it!

Teamed with my favourite Topshop Baxter jeans

Another one of my bargains, my FCUK coat from Bicester Village last year, £60 and worn loads!

My wish list item this week - some bling sandals! Yes, just to rub it in, I am heading to where the sunshines is in approximately 9.5 weeks (who's counting?!). I live in sandals like these, with a strap between the toes in the warmer months. My selection are rather plain though and who says bling isn't for every day wear? At £28 and real leather, I may be giving these a go when Warehouse do another 25% off discount.

River Island - my Shop of the Week

2013-03-22T20:08:00.000Z

Not a normal choice of shops for me personally as my day to day look is a lot more comfort/smart/casual than high fashion. But I wanted to take a peak at their Rihanna range and as with a lot of retailers at the moment, their sale is on. Never one to pass up a browse on line, I have been pleasantly surprised. Their fair prices seem to have won me over (but not so much so to risk a proper telling off from the husband for shopping AGAIN). Delivery is £3.95 with free returns. Be nice to see them offering free delivery to store like some other retailers.

With regards to the Rihanna range, it's not for me. A lot of crops and a very fashion led colour palette of black, grey white, acid yellow and denim. But with prices as low as £20, I applaud them for letting all the young Rihanna fans have a piece of her style. I know when I was younger if the Spice Girls had done a range with prices and pieces like this, I would have been there in a heartbeat. Instead I made do with Bay Trading's take on their pinstripe suits.......

£70

£18 top, £30 shorts

If I was going to buy something from Rihanna's range would definitely be one of these, I love high neck sleeveless Tee's

£20

And some of my favourite sales picks;

£27 down to £15 (leather)

£25 down to £10

£35 down to £15

£25 down to £10

£30 down to £15

£45 down to £20, size 7's only left on line (leather)

Friends is the Right Places - Thank You Jo Jo! x

2013-03-19T21:35:00.001Z

When I want something I can't get - I'm like a woman possessed. My poor friends and family get 'SOS' emails with price, style name/number, stores near them, all the details until I find what I want. When time was less of an issue for me, I would actually call around stores across the UK to get exactly what I wanted. (I still have a Christmas tree in Bournemouth that was 75% off, sorry Lizzie, I will come and get it). So after I waited online for the M&S sale last Tuesday and found that some of my lovely readers who are size 3.5's had obviously ignored my warning that these babies were mine, they were sold out in seconds. So the following day I was on a mission. Poor Jo who happens to work very close to the Metro Centre was sent a text to get in there ASAP for me. By Monday (yesterday) they are with me! I really do have fab friends. £65 down to £35 - I LOVE!

My only question is - do I cut that strap at the back? Does it make them a little 'cowboy'? I've worn them already today as I've been poorly so they were the perfect pick me up, amazing what a new pair of shoes can do for you! I will leave the strap on for a while as once I cut it, there's no going back. Did anyone else manage to get any of Marks and Spencer's fabulous shoes in their sale?

PS Kurt Geiger sale starts on line midnight tonight!

My Week

2013-03-17T20:31:00.002Z

I very nearly forgot to place an order with my 30% off Gap voucher - but I didn't, phew. So still on my 'minimal budget/semi shopping ban' I am always in need of trousers. I have blogged and moaned many times before how I hate looking for bottoms, I love my jeans. With an important meeting coming up in London, I thought the discount be best spent on trousers. So I ordered 3 pairs and 2 pairs of jeans (at £14.99 it was worth a shot), a jumper for the hubby and 2 further pairs of jeans for my sister to try. None of the jeans worked (thank goodness), 1 pair of trousers came up loads larger than I think they should, then I tried these on. Et Voila! I could tell before I had even pulled them up that I was on to a winner. They feel so comfy to wear and made me feel great even with a cold and feeling run down. Anyone who knows me knows my hate of paying for delivery. However with the 30% off and a pair of winning trousers, I think I can well and truly justify the £4 (oh and my nearest store is 20 miles away). I am thrilled to say the least. I have teamed them with my Ted Baker courts and will probably add one of my Banana Republic blouses tucked in, maybe with a little skinny belt.

£29.95 but £21 with discount

Gaps Slim Cropped Pants

I promised I would share any wardrobe progress from my very honest post in the week about the state of my wardrobe. I am a firm believer that if your not feeling too great about yourself, then trying on clothes is a no no. So I decided to just start with my shelves and re fold, re organise. I found 1 holed Tee which will go in the rag bin and some very shiny lurex scarves which I haven't worn in over a year, so they were promptly removed. The pink one has managed to find it's way into my 6 year old's room....It was baby steps today, but it's still progress. Thick Winter scarves have also gone away in the drawer under my bed - I am being optimistic. The picture makes the cardi's look untidy but I promise they are organised by colour and pattern! Lessons learnt - no more navy cardi's needed but a nice plain black scarf is.

Plain and patterned Tees, Cardis, Scarves

Didn't make the cut (apart from the pink now residing in daughters room)

I hope all you Mummy's out there had a lovely Mother's Day last week. I had a great one with family and a quick impromptu visit to Bicester Village. We were very kindly given a 30% off voucher for Ralph Lauren (Friends and Family event) so I did say to the Hubby not to buy me lots of tack for Mother's Day as would rather put the voucher to good use. These lovely PJ's came down to around £16 with the discount - now that's a bargain! Perfect present from my little ladies, quality and comfort (yes a little Christmasy but there's no Santa on them so I'm not bothered!).

I am seeing one of my closest friends tomorrow as she lives far too many miles away 'up North'. But her reason for getting a mention on my blog tonight is that she is bringing with her the M&S boots that I was madly after in the sale. She managed to find one pair of size 3.5's in her store so they had better fit. From my online sale shop I got the hubby's slippers as I always do in their sale (half price), a cardi for the 6 year old, a zester (yes, really) and a new bra (bra's - another thing I hate shopping for ticked off this week). Nothing very adventurous so these boots best be good! They were £32.50 from memory and as I've lived in my black suede ones I felt these would be a great seasonal purchase.

My wish list item this week? Flicking through Grazia and saw 'my shoes' I tried on the other week. They looked so much better on my feet than they did in the magazine, surely that warrants them right? It's called my 'wish list' item for a reason, they are not a 'need' Natalie, keep dreaming...

Thank you for reminding me about these Grazia

I think Zara need to donate these to my wardrobe

A Quick Post Tonight - Ebay - Yes Ebay, Shop of the week!

2013-03-14T20:40:00.000Z

I need to hit the sack, 3 hours sleep (poorly kiddies) does not make for a coherent Natalie! I was just sorting through inbox and opened my Ebay email, they just wanted to remind me about their French Connection Outlet with up to 70% off ending today, so kind! So instead of my usual time spent browsing, I am going to hand it over to you guys to do. Their prices will still be discounted tomorrow but not as much as today, so be quick! However, purely for research sake and adding some visual prettiness to my post other than words, here are some of my favourites. Happy Shopping people!

£95 down to £28.50

£155 down to £37.50

£47 down to £14.50

£180 down to £45

£125 down to £30

£125 down to £28.50

Stop Shopping and Take Stock GlamRosie

2013-03-12T21:32:00.000Z

Well tonight I was going to publish a post I had previously written on Rihanna's new line for River Island. Whilst having another browse through her range I stopped. What am I doing? I free lance as a Personal Stylist, sort out other peoples wardrobes and advise them on their clothes, yet I have completely neglected my own wardrobe and am getting lost pretty much every night on the internet looking at all the amazing clothes and deals that are out there. As I am such a firm bargain hunter, I do tend to justify many of my purchases within an inch of their wear but to be honest, my own wardrobe needs a damn good sort out.

So my blog today is directed at me, no more shopping, I need to take stock and clear out. I know there are some shoes lurking in the back shelf which are dated and dusty (oh Lordy I've just admitted that for all to know). I need to practise what I preach:
Rotate that wardrobe.
Wear those hidden gems.
Replace order in my much loved clothes.

I am feeling brave, this to some I know will not look messy, but to me, it hasn't had a sort through in far too long. I aim for 3 times a year and I am very behind. I am only sharing my main wardrobe, the other is coats, tracksuits etc, occasion dresses and some Ebay items I really need to sell. Shoes in that one are boots and nearly in order....yes all, I like my clothes, shoes, handbags, fashion, style, I'll stop there.

An overall glimpse!

An out of order rail, I am not impressed with myself right now!

Clutches, Across the body and coloured bags, 'special ones' in dust bags.

Dark handbags (oh and the Hubby's footy bag mmm) not too bad

Shoes don't look too bad but there's some dusty ones at the back!

Tees, Cardis, Jumpers, Scarves, L/S Tees, Vests, Gloves (in box) - a mess!

I do plan on showing you a tidier wardrobe once I pull my finger out.....! Night all, taking my 'Look' magazine to bed as I can't shop there! x

Marks & Spencer Shoes and their Sale!

2013-03-10T21:18:00.000Z

I had a very interesting conversation with some lovely ladies last Saturday night whilst 'out on the town' - M&S shoes = your old (well something along those lines anyway!). Myself and another lady were baffled at this shock announcement, as we both wear them and are actually huge advocates of them. Their Autograpgh Insolia range is on a par with my love of Timberland's Earthkeepers range for comfort but better for style (and are also dare I say it, both above Ugg for comfort factor). The following day I was dashing into an M&S for some urgent school ware for my eldest and literally grabbed these snapshots - um, not so fuddy duddy in my opinion? Get yourselves in there ladies, your missing a trick!

Some of my favourite M&S Autograph shoes (both under £20 in the sale)

Another reason for this post - I literally got all excited about the email that arrived in my inbox tonight, their sale starts on line tomorrow at 8pm, in stores Tuesday. So no one call me, no one Skype me, Twitter and Facebook will be ignored, I will be fighting the crashing of their systems as happens at their sale times. And if any of these go into the sale, DO NOT purchase the size 3.5 - they are my wish list items this week!

Gap - My Shop of the Week

2013-03-08T21:28:00.000Z

I've been doing very well with Gap of late, hence this week it is my shop of the week. Not only do they stand the test of time longer than some cheaper versions of basics available on the High Street, but with their sales and discount offers, they are coming up trumps with their reasonable prices. It is now VIP week at Gap, so as a member (you just need to sign up!) I get a 30% off voucher for full price items. I was reliably informed this offer is given approximately 4 times a year, so if your pennies are tight, be like me and wait. This offer doesn't apply to sale items (they can't give it away people!). But here are some of my most recent buys from them, followed by some of my favourite shoes and accessories they have at the moment. If you need a voucher, inbox me and I will send you one. Happy shopping!

This leather handbag was down to £24.99 from £99.99, I found it on the floor hidden under the rails! A great day/baby bag as I can put the long strap over the pram. Our old baby bag is far too bulky now, so this will be perfect.

Two pairs of their Legging Jeans. My first plum pair washed so well I've invested in the black ones as I am in need of black jeans. They have a slightly smarter texture than a denim. I like the inside zip's as I can make them tight when done up for inside boots, or looser for a shoe. I found the black in store a month ago, although I can't see them with zips on line. I really like their light blue pair, I may look at these for the Summer.

Striped cardigan, £14.99 in a London store, although it's £27.99 on line currently. That's my only grumble, their varying prices from store to web. My plum jeans were £14.99 on the web but £30 odd in store at the time, it doesn't have any logic to me and feels slightly unfair. But unfazed I still am very pleased with my purchases. The cardigan has also washed very well on a hand wash cycle, no ironing needed and back to it's original shape.

I am so tempted by these lace up's - purely based on a comfort factor, however I didn't feel that they worked on me when I tried them on. Comfort over fashion? What's wrong with me?!

£39.95

£34.95

£19.95

£89.95

£69.95

£39.95

Didi I mention I was a bit of an accessories addict? Or does the post speak for itself?!

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

2013-03-05T20:57:00.000Z

For any last minute shoppers out there in a panic, here are some gift idea's to help. I have tried to cater for all budget's, starting with the 'no budget' purchasers! I've avoided the flowers/chocolates/perfume idea as I know you clever people would have thought of those all on your own, these may just inspire some further gift idea's for you.

Marc by Marc Jacobs at Liberty £405

Mulberry Purse £295

Tiffany purse pen £90

Smythson lambskin leather notebook £35

L'occitane hand cream set £20 (free gift wrapping and samples and additional promotion as pictured)

Emma Bridgewater mug £19.95

Clinique Chubby Stick £16 (a personal favourite of mine, great for Mum's on the run)

Marks and Spencer Limited Collection Scarf £15

Or if your looking for something more personal, hop over to 'Made with Love by Gemma' she has Mothers Day hearts as below at £2.50 and if you mention GlamRoise, you will get a 20% discount off of the last two left - bargain! (Offer ends Friday). There are also some very cute cake stands available and other gift idea's, all ready to pop in the post. I have bought 7 personalised hearts already for gifts!