Frills 'n' Spills

Why can't I pull the plug?

2026-03-08T19:00:00.001+00:00

I haven't blogged for 3 years. I haven't blogged consistently for much longer than that but there is still some part of me that is reluctant to shut this corner of the internet down.

So much has changed (Mark and I are celebrating 20 years together this year and we have a whole dog and a baby!) but there is a part of me that misses the old blogging community and sharing outfits and recipes, just because. But then again, I haven't read a blog in years so why would I expect anyone else to act any differently?

Maybe it is time to rip off the plaster and put me out of my misery but I don't feel ready to let go of something that gave me so much for so long.

I may be (definitely am) speaking to a brick wall here but there is a part of me that misses that creative outlet to tell my story rather than only doing it for brands, can anyone else relate?

What to wear on a cruise to Norway...

2023-03-21T21:50:00.002+00:00

Last summer, I went on my first cruise: a trip down the Norwegian fjords with my in-laws on P&O's ship Iona and wanted to share what was in my suitcase for a week-long cruise. Before I went we made our usual packing list (find a downloadable Google doc here) but there were a few things I wish I had brought, along with a few things that I wish I had left behind as I didn't use or wear them.

So to help you learn from my mistakes, here's a week's worth of Norwegian cruise outfits!

On embarkation day we travelled down to Southampton directly from Cheltenham. This saved us money on a hotel but meant that what I wore needed to deal with a couple of hours in the car before going through security upon our arrival.

Top: Cos via Depop, jeans: Levi's, boots: Grenson Nanettes

Once we had got settled, it was soon time to change for dinner. Molby handmake the most beautiful dresses and the Bertie is a current favourite!

Dress: Molby Bertie dress, shoes: Arizona Birkenstocks

Long-time readers will know how much I love stripes (in whatever form!) and this NRBY striped top is a fun addition to my collection! It is super soft and very flattering although very oversized - in the end I went for a medium despite usually being a size 18! Paired with my jeans and Birkenstocks, it was the perfect outfit for exploring the ship.

Top: NRBY Clothing

Sunday night was black tie which made me very nervous, I have never been to anything fancy so played it safe with a long black dress. I don't often wear black but the tulle and ribbon on this dress was hard to resist.

Dress: Coast

I spent the whole evening feeling like a princess swooshing around the boat so would thoroughly recommend going for it if there is a black tie night on your cruise. Some people wimped out but there's something to be said for going completely OTT!

I just love this photo!

Beautiful pearl earrings are from Musée Roo who makes the most beautiful historical jewellery. It is absolutely stunning (just check out her Instagram!) and I am a big fan!

An unexpected sea day the following day meant comfort was key so I went for layers of a ribbed white tank top, a sage green linen shirt and my trusty Levi's jeans. I threw these Teva sandals in last minute and I am so glad I did, they are ridiculously comfortable and the caramel colour (sand dune if you are searching for your own pair!) goes with absolutely everything.

Shirt: Mango, top: Gap, jeans: Levi's, sandals: Tevas

When I saw this top and these shorts on Whistles website, I fell in love. The marble print is beautiful and I absolutely love the colours. I don't usually wear strapless as I have quite broad shoulders but paired with this blazer, I felt cool, comfy and fun (after my swooshy dress I think this was my favourite evening outfit!)

Blazer: Mango via Vinted, top: Whistles, shorts: Whistles, sandals: Office, earrings: Etsy

We spent the next day walking up to Briksdal glacier (part of the Jostedal Glacier national park) which I would thoroughly recommend if you get the chance, so practicality was key. We had booked this trip before we went so I knew to pack exercise gear along with my trusty Nanette walking boots and a thin waterproof jacket.

Top: Nike outlet, trousers: H&M, boots: Grenson Nanettes, jacket: Seasalt Rain

Tomato face: model's own

As someone who runs hot, natural fibres are my best friend and linen has been my absolute favourite all summer. This sage green is a colour that suits everyone and it paired beautifully

Shirt: Mango, top: Whistles, jeans: Levi's, trainers: Superga

Can we just appreciate that background for a second?! This Sézane dress is one of my favourites (it makes me feel very chic!) and the long sleeves meant that I was comfortable without a jacket. In an ideal world I would have had a cream or gold clutch bag but I only had my black one.

Cashmere is one of those luxuries I have grown into over the past few years (blame my mother!) and it was very much needed when the weather clouded over. This pink shade may not be everyone's version of a classic but it's certainly earnt its place in my wardrobe since I bought it...

My hair here is just ridiculous but I blame the wind off the Norwegian Sea 😂 I love a co-ord and the print is actually little villages which felt very fitting as we sailed past the cutest little settlements.

Top: Whistles, trousers: Whistles, sandals: Teva, backpack: Kanken

Subtle this ain't but it sure is fun! This dress is actually a lovely poplin cotton and would be perfect if you were headed somewhere hot. I wore my gold sandals with this but it is a bit long on me so would be perfect with a chunky heel.

Dress: Anthropologie

What I wished I had brought with me:

A coral lipstick (I have a couple that I forgot to pack and I really missed them!
A small handbag so that I had a choice between my backpack and clutch bag
A more neutral evening bag (black sometimes felt a little harsh)
More earrings to jazz up my outfits

Have you ever been to Norway? What would you pack for a cruise?

25 years of diabetes and me...

2022-11-14T10:49:00.032+00:00

Nice

This year marked 25 years of being a Type 1 diabetic. Unsurprisingly I have mixed feelings about this; on one hand I am proud that I have made it this far (not an easy task at times) and on the other I am cross that I have had to. I have written before about my diabetes but basically I was diagnosed not long before my eight birthday and my whole life changed overnight...

As I have got older, I am glad I was diagnosed young - it meant I was able to do my own injections etc. from day one - whilst being mindful of the emotional toll this took on me. The constant mental maths, the near death experiences, it's not something I would wish on my worst enemy, let alone a child.

For a long time I didn't fully understand what was wrong with me (healthcare professionals always talking about you, not to you will do that!) but it made me feel inferior and I spent a long time rebelling against being ill, my teenage years were not my happiest, let's put it that way!

For a long time, I resisted the label of being disabled but now I would say I am disabled and proud. Recognising the limitations that my body has, has actually been strangely freeing rather than stifling. The internet has made meeting other diabetics easier and has made me feel less alone and the memes are excellent.

Writing about it is bringing up a lot of feelings (probably something to discuss in future therapy sessions!) but I am proud of myself for getting this far. Please do let me know if you have any questions about diabetes, I am more than happy to answer them 😃

Have you hugged your favourite diabetic today?

Giving people their flowers...

2022-09-20T10:58:00.003+01:00

I think it is fair to say that we all have things that we may have done differently with the benefit of hindsight, but bad things notwithstanding, I don't know who I would be without all my life experiences, both good and bad. Like many of us, I have spent the last couple of years seeing so many people suffering through losses, grief and regrets and it has made me even more conscious of why telling people how I really feel is so important.

A little while ago, we spent an afternoon on our family holiday visiting the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth. Us adults had a wonderful time whereas my niece announced that she "didn't like donkeys" not long after her arrival which is just about typical for a toddler!

The sanctuary is truly lovely and well worth visiting if you happen to be nearby, but the part that stuck with me the most were the beautiful dedications to loved ones that were dotted around the sanctuary. People had shared tributes and they were all so heartfelt. One set in particular really moved me; Leonard (Len) sharing his love for Joyce brought me to tears.

Following our visit, I became fixated on the idea of what my memorial would say and how I would like to be remembered. I asked Mark and my family to buy me a memorial plaque (although my living status apparently puts a spanner in the works). But honestly? I can't think of anything nicer than having a tangible reminder that you can visit and cherish alongside the person.

I am a big fan of being upfront about my feelings and since then, I have tried to use this impetus to tell people how much I love and appreciate them, while they can hear me say it, whether that is face-to-face, over a call, text or in a letter. (I thoroughly recommend writing love letters to your best friends, is there anything nicer than unprompted love in the post?!)

There is something so wonderful about being known and I don't want anyone to have any doubt about how I feel about them (good or bad). It's easy to say that you won't have regrets and hard to make that a reality but you will never regret sharing your true feelings.

It is terrifying to be vulnerable but wouldn't you rather get and give your flowers while you can truly appreciate them?

A tentative hello...

2022-01-09T21:37:00.000+00:00

Recently a lot of the bloggers I have loved and followed for a long time (many of who I am privileged to call friends) have decided not to renew their domains and I have to tell you, I was so tempted to do the same but despite only blogging once a year (max) for the last gazillion years, I am loathe to completely say goodbye to this corner of the internet just yet.

I have so many half-written posts that I just can't quite pull the plug yet. Clinging onto my youth? Nostalgia? Naiveté? Who knows! But why not pull up a chair and fill me in on how you have been?

How I wore: patterned flared trousers

2020-04-04T16:00:00.001+01:00

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery right? Because when I saw the beautiful Nicole Ocran in these jazzy flared trousers, I couldn't help but copy her. If you're not already following her, you should be, she has an awesome eye for an outfit and is as lovely as she is stylish. Yes, I may have a slight crush! I was a little unsure of how to style these trousers but decided to embrace the 1970s vibes and incorporate these earthy tones to match. This top is actually a dress I have had since 2011 (!) and it matched perfectly. It's always fun to dig back into your own archive and I still have all but the coat and scarf from that outfit post. I'm not sure whether that's impressive or tragic but let's go with the former! It's not often this happens but this trouser/shoe combo has made me look relatively tall which is always a win in my book!

Top: Mango (actually a dress), trousers:Oliver Bonas, shoes: Topshop, earrings: Topshop

I can't resist a good lipstick and this is Nars Giusti satin lip pencil, it's a gorgeous rosy brown and the perfect 'your lips but better shade' if you are pale like me. I really rate their lipsticks and this has been on repeat for when I just want to look slightly more polished. Over the last year I have also become obsessed with earrings. I have never had my ears pierced (and I probably never will!) so I have been enjoying clip on styles from people like the lovely Julia de Klerk or adapting non-clip on styles with some clip backs and superglue. That way, I still get a jazzy fix without having to resort to anything more permanent.

Earrings: Topshop (adapted by me), lipstick: Nars Giusti

A slightly better look at the shoes. I usually would avoid slingbacks (I have weirdly narrow ankles!) but they are the perfect summer-y shoe and as they are leather, they should last for a long time. I love a block heel all year round so these are a nice way to

Who is your style crush? How would you style these trousers?

Grey and pink...

2020-03-22T12:30:00.000+00:00

Long time, no speak! It feels strange to be back here writing when it has been so long since I last posted (and even longer since I was posting regularly!) but I guess that's what happens when life gets in the way! We took these photos a long time ago but as I style this dress the exact same way every time I wear this dress, I figured it was still worth sharing! I never used to be one for either midi lengths or trainers but this dress was my first step into a whole world of comfort. I love pale pink and grey together and the grey sweatshirt element of this makes it super easy to wear and cosy to boot!

Dress: Topshop, shoes: Converse

I have spent a lot of time (and money) trying to find a skincare regime that works for me and Caudalie seems to be the holy grail! I don't know what magical ingredient it is in their products that suits my skin but it has made me a lot happier overall, even without make-up. All I am wearing here is a swipe of Glossier's Boy Brow (another favourite of mine) and some tinted lipbalm, younger Maria could have never...

I do love a dramatic ribbon!

I spotted these rose gold Converse in the Office sale a few years back and immediately fell in love. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I like shiny things so it was inevitable that they were coming home with me. They made trainers feel much more accessible to me and for that I will be eternally grateful! They are also proof that basics don't have to be boring!

How do you jazz up your basics? Which colour combinations so you always come back to?

Spring staples: the trench coat

2020-02-13T13:48:00.001+00:00

Spring and Autumn are my favourite seasons, I hate being too warm so anytime I can get sunshine without boiling to death is a winner in my book. April showers though can be tricky to dress for. Luckily this jazzy trench coat is the perfect final layer for drizzly days. I have been a massive Whistles fan for as long as I can remember and eBay is my best friend when it comes to finding gems to add to my wardrobe (without the premium price point!). I'm definitely not one for a minimalist capsule wardrobe (I like the range of choice!) but certain things you are likely to find in lots of people's wardrobes and trench coats are certainly one of them. No boring beige for me though, this baby is more brown sugar than blah...

Coat: Whistles via eBay, top: Topshop, jeans: Gap, shoes: Betty London, necklace: Accessorize

The overall effect of this trench coat is pretty classic but the colour is more brown than camel which is much nicer and more flattering on my ~~pasty~~ pale skin tone. I really like the oversized shape and the belt is great for cinching you in too. The best part about it though? I look and feel like a private detective whenever I wear it! Which is pretty fitting really when it comes to my social media stalking skills 😏

You really can't go wrong with a red lipstick and this one by Chanel is perfect! It's the Rouge Coco in shade 440 Arthur and I really love the finish (so much so, I also bought it in Etinenne!) My hair is getting longer and longer again and although I still have a lot in my wardrobe from 2013, I'm not sure I could ever go back to super long hair!

Teeny bags are truly my kryptonite, I absolutely love them but with the amount of junk I lug around on a daily basis, they are just too impractical. This Brit Stitch half pint satchel is teeny but I can just about fit my phone, bloods stuff and a few cards. The colour is really unusual and it may not be practical, but it sure is fun!

Where do you find your basics? Could you ever have a capsule wardrobe?

A fresh start

2019-04-10T10:00:00.000+01:00

It has been a long time since I have posted on my little corner of the internet but I wasn't quite ready to pull the plug just yet. I started this blog with Danni nearly a decade ago (!) and I never imagined all of the different opportunities it would open up for me. Nowadays I am a social media marketer by day and I'm less inclined to take photos and rattle off a post when I get home from work, mainly because my need for a creative outlet is much less urgent than when I was working at ASDA for instance. The usual joys of stress and pressure have also piled up so I couldn't dedicate the energy I needed to make this a feasible part of my everyday routine.

⭐

I still love seeking out bargains and styling up outfits though, so expect to see a bit more of that here. Mark and I also bought our first house back in December 2018 so a lot of our disposable income is going on finding pieces for that rather than adding to my ever-expanding wardrobe! I have also set myself a challenge to read more books than last year and I'm pleased to say I'm already 40 down towards my target of 130. If you've got any recommendations, please do let me know. Looking forward to re-acquainting myself with everyone's blogs (hopefully at least some of my faves are still posting!)

Here's to fresh starts!

Candy pink...

2018-03-04T17:55:00.000+00:00

Bright colours have long been a staple in my wardrobe and this candy pink Whistles dress was a fun workwear addition. The shape was boxier than I would usually go for but paired with some fun shoes and a jazzy necklace, it was much more firmly in my comfort zone. I am a big fan of sleeveless dresses (I am always warm!) and I can't wait to layer this one up with some stripes and a polo neck!

Dress: Whistles (via eBay), shoes: Topshop, necklace: Topshop

I have had this necklace for nigh on 7 years (!) and although the attached leaf is long gone, it is still one of the pieces of jewellery I have on regular rotation. It is simple but so unusual, not bad for a Topshop sale bargain! My hair has got so much longer recently and I have really been enjoying brushing it out into soft waves. It does have a mind of its own so I sometimes have to use my GHDs to help tame it. I really should do more with my hair as it does hold a style when I bother but I am just too lazy, I would much rather have an extra 20 minutes in bed...

These shoes were another Topshop bargain a while back and I love them They are ridiculously comfy and make a real statement without being completely impractical. I am always a bit wary of wearing heels with higher hemlines but I think the chunky block heel and the straps helps to stop them from looking too much, what do you think?

Where do you buy your workwear?

A fresh start...

2018-01-10T20:49:00.002+00:00

2017 highlights ❤

2017 was another strange year for me, it was busy but a lot of fun too. The biggest thing I did was starting my new job back in April and as a result, the rest of the year just flew by. I have missed blogging but every year I seem to end up writing less and less blog posts. Katy has written much more eloquently about this but I guess life just gets in the way sometimes! I'm really looking forward to 2018 (we finally booked our big trip to New York City and Washington DC, eek!) and although I can't promise to be back blogging regularly, I will share snippets here and over on Instagram as and when I feel the urge.

What are you most looking forward to in 2018?

Beautiful broderie...

2017-10-17T20:12:00.001+01:00

Little white dresses are always my go to in the summer; sunshine just calls for something light and breezy and this pretty broderie anglaise dress from Warehouse fitted the bill perfectly! I love the oversized sleeves (re-reading Anne of Green Gables has definitely reignited my appreciation for puffed sleeves!) and it is so light to wear. Paired with my beloved coral shoes and bag, it's perfect for these last few sunny days before we slip fully into Autumn!

Dress: Warehouse, tights:Tesco, shoes: Clarks, bag: Clarks

I don't look very impressed but I promise I wasn't feeling as miserable as I look here! Someone needs to tell my face to cheer up! 😂 This Max Factor lipstick (Bewitching Coral) is one of my favourites and the bright pinky-coral matched my shoes and bag perfectly, I love it when a plan comes together...

I have been trying to use more of my accessories recently and this teeny bag is more practical than you might first think. I can't carry the kitchen sink around like I usually would but actually that's no bad thing, I always lug far too much stuff around with me!

I did worry that this dress was a little bit short as I have been conscious of wearing clothes that are too young for me but I'm hoping I can get away with mini hemlines for a little while longer yet?!

What are your summer staples?

P.S. Did you know that there is a whole series of books about Anne Shirley? I didn't realise until recently but I did enjoy reading more about Anne growing up!

Styling a floral maxi skirt...

2017-09-12T19:30:00.000+01:00

If there's one thing you can count on, it's the fact that summer will be a bit of a washout. Now I prefer gloomier weather as I am always too warm but I know that I am in the minority here! 😉 Maxi skirts will always be my summer clothing of choice and this floral skirt from Topshop is a fun addition to my wardrobe. I thought pairing it with a cropped jumper would be conceding to Autumn too early so I opted for this orange silk blouse instead. I don't want to wish my life away but I can't wait for the cooler months and I imagine this skirt will get a lot of wear layered up with some cosy tights and boots!

Top: French Connection, skirt: Topshop, tights: Accessorize, shoes: River Island

My hair does not do well with rain (hello frizz!) but this Bumble and Bumble styling creme has been helping me to stave off the worst of it. I have been using it for a while now but haven't posted about it much but can thoroughly recommend it if you have wavy, frizz-prone hair like me!

I wasn't sure what to do with the extra length of the blouse but I think knotting it like this looks pretty neat. Fifth Avenue is the latest addition to my Essie collection and it is a lovely coral red. I'm not very good at painting my own nails but I did feel pretty darned glam in this shade! 💅

The slits in this skirt come up pretty high (I had to resist the urge to pull an Angelina Jolie!) but these chunky block heels (hopefully!) helped to tone down the revealing nature. I may try it with a cream top and trainers next, how lush would these be?!

How would you tone this skirt down? Are you counting down to Autumn like me?

Interesting workwear for a smart office...

2017-08-27T20:58:00.000+01:00

Since starting my new job, I have had to get back into the habit of wearing smarter clothes for work. Whilst I miss my more casual workwear, it has been good to challenge myself and push out of my (very literal) comfort zone. Life's too short to wear boring clothes so I have been wearing a lot of fun printed dresses (this geometric number and this blocky beauty were particular favourites) to make it a but more interesting. I have been lucky enough to find a few dresses in my favourite charity shop to add to my collection, including this beautiful printed one from Hobbs. The shape isn't one I would usually go for but the drawstring waist was able to cinch me in and it is so light to wear, making it perfect for the summer!

Dress: Hobbs via charity shop, tights:Tesco, shoes: Whistles

I love the slash neck on this and the print is really unusual, does anyone else think it looks like rain? I have been trying to be more inventive with how I style my hair and I was pretty pleased with this sleeker look, thank goodness for my GHDs!

I wear these Whistles shoes a lot and I am cautious abut wearing them out as they are just so darned comfy! Has anyone seen any interesting black blocky heels recently? I need to find an alternative to these but ideally with a pointed toe too... let me know if you have more luck than I do!

What do you wear to work? Where do you buy interesting workwear from?

Punchy prints...

2017-08-05T18:33:00.000+01:00

I have always been a fan of statement jackets and when I spotted this one in Seasalt, I knew I would be taking it home with me. I love the colour teal and this print is perfect for adding a bit of interest to a pretty basic outfit. Admittedly I would usually associate Seasalt with stripes or anchors than with prints like this but it was definitely a pleasant surprise! Paired with bright lipstick and glasses, it did feel like something an art teacher might wear, I just need to figure out how to layer my necklaces...

Jacket: Seasalt, top: Gap, jeans: River Island, shoes:Whistles

Pink lipstick is always so fun to wear and I have raved about this Bourjois velvet formula many many times. You should definitely get your hands on it if you like bright shades that last all day! Statement pieces need a blank canvas to really shine and this beige top from Gap was ideal. It is a lovely soft cotton and crucially is long enough in the body for me. I can't stand tops that are short in the torso!

My lovely colleagues bought this 'M' necklace for me as part of my leaving presents when I left for my new job and it is so lovely, you can't go wrong with rose gold! I wore it on my first day at my new job and it definitely gave me a confidence boost 😊

Finding a good pair of jeans can be tricky but this River Island style is so good that I have them in black and blue! I love the fact you can get them in a shorter length and the slight stretch to the denim is super comfy too.

Are you a fan of statement jackets? How do you jazz up your basics?

Peacock print...

2017-06-11T19:37:00.001+01:00

BIBA is one of those brands where subtlety is in short supply. I love all of their jazzy prints and they always look so luxurious. I spotted this top in the House of Fraser sale back in March and I fell in love, the peacock print is beautiful and I love the swooshy sleeves! I have been trying to focus on quality over quantity with my clothes buying and this was an ideal candidate: it wasn't cheap but the standard is so much higher than anything I buy from H&M or Primark and I know it will still be in my wardrobe years later.

Top: BIBA (from House of Fraser), jeans: River Island, shoes:Whistles

Eyeshadow has always been out of my comfort zone but I have been trying to wear it more recently and I was pretty pleased with the result here. Paired with my favourite nude lipstick (Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Liv it Up) I was hot to trot! I treated myself to Liv it Up and Pink Venus when I got my new job and I absolutely love them, I will definitely be treating myself to a few more shades come next payday...

The back detail on this top is fab too, the tie allows you to adjust how wide the neckline is which I like. I always get a bit paranoid that the sleeves will keep slipping off my shoulders but this helps to keep them firmly in place. My hair has grown a lot recently and I have been able to coax it into soft waves which is fab. I have always been very low maintenance with my hair so it's nice when it cooperates!

These River Island jeans are so comfortable and due to the stretch in the denim, they stay comfy even after a large meal (which let's face it, is the whole point of going out!) I really want some new berry jeans this Autumn, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they bring some out in this style.

Are you a fan of BIBA?

A quick trip to Berlin...(PICTURE HEAVY)

2017-05-20T20:19:00.001+01:00

Berlin is a city that both Mark and I have wanted to visit for a long time and we finally managed to make the trip. The dates coincided with our anniversary and it was the perfect way to celebrate 11 years together. Both Mark and I studied modern history up to A-level so it was great to see some of the places and history we had learnt about 'in the flesh'. We arrived on Monday morning and flew back out early on Thursday so had 3 full days in the city and it was the perfect amount of time- we had plenty of time to explore but I think any longer would have been unnecessary.

An early start at Birmingham airport!

The view from the aeroplane as we were landing...

We stayed at the Westin Grand on Friedrichstraße and it was the perfect location and so convenient for everywhere we wanted to visit.

Did I mention that it was super fancy?!

Just look at that beautiful ceiling!

Concierge bear!

Bebelplatz was the location of the Nazi book burning ceremony that took place on 10th May 1933

One of the many Humboldt University buildings...

A humongous statue of King Friedrich the Great near Bebelplatz

The synagogue was beautiful

We couldn't work out what this building was but it was beautiful!

I loved seeing all of the plants growing up the front of these apartments

I discovered Barn Coffee when we were planning our itinerary and I was determined to visit. It was oh so hipster but the coffee was delicious! I only wish it was slightly closer to our hotel so I could have visited every day!

A delicious flat white and lemon cake

St Hedwig's hospital

❤

Sophienkirche, Mitte

One of the things I loved most about Berlin was that every time you went round a corner, you would find something else to explore.

This church was beautiful and so peaceful.

A stolperstein or stumbling block featuring the names and details of victims of Nazi persecution and extermination. These were installed as part of a project by the artist Gunter Demnig in 1996.

A haunting scupture near the old Jewish cemetery at Grosse Hamburger Straße

The Mosaic Peace Wall

Wandering around Mitte...

I thought this was one of the museums on 'museum island' but it looks like it is actually Berliner Dom or Berlin Cathedral. We didn't get chance to go inside but we took lots of pictures...

A beautiful colonnade surrounding the garden outside the Old National Gallery.

The Brandenburg Gate

Playing tourist!

The Ampelmann store...

Relish restaurant

Probably the best meal I have ever eaten...

Brotzeit was pretty cool...

and the perfect place to start the day with a pretzel and a coffee!

A different view of the Brandenburg Gate.

Platz de 18 März behind the Brandenburg Gate.

The Reichstag was pretty cool although the queues to get in were insane so we skipped going into the dome like we had originally planned.

The Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism behind the Reichstag.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe was so moving and is well worth a visit if you are in Berlin.

I couldn't resist a trip to the Lindt store, it was like heaven!

Pieces of the Berlin Wall are scattered across the city, we loved the graffiti on these!

The Topographie des Terrors was absolutely brilliant but it was terrifying to see how the Nazis took power.

August Landmesser, the man who didn't salute Hitler.

Index cards from the trial concerning the RSHA (Reich Main Security Office).

The splitting of Berlin...

A stretch of the Berlin Wall...

Checkpoint Charlie

Sections of the Berlin Wall at the Mauermuseum at Checkpoint Charlie. This was a really interesting museum and it was fascinating to see how people escaped across the Wall.

1961-1989

The Ritter Sport shop was amazing ❤

A delicious burger at Supreme Burger, Oranienburger Straße.

Taking cheesy photos at the photoboths around the city...

Ich bin ein Berliner! 🍩 😂

The Jewish History Museum was fantastic and really interesting, if heartbreaking. The architecture and design is fascinating and really adds to the experience.

The Garden of Exile.

The Shalekhet 'Fallen Leaves' installation in one of the voids at the museum

The Torah

Street signs with Jewish names

The memoirs of Glikl of Hamelin- she sounded absolutely amazing!

The "Anti-Anti" guide was made up of loose sheets and presented arguments against anti- Semitic propaganda.

Fabric with the stars that Jews had to wear in Nazi Germany

So true!

The East Side Gallery is a stretch of the Berlin Wall that has been preserved as an international memorial for freedom and is covered in art celebrating that.

Coat: Seasalt, top: H&M, jeans: Gap, shoes: Converse, bag: Radley

Beer and pretzels!

Berlin was such an amazing city and we had an amazing time, we will definitely be back soon!

Have you been to Berlin? What was your favourite part?

Navy, red and leopard print..

2017-05-09T21:15:00.000+01:00

It is slightly boggling to me that we are nearly halfway through May and it is still cold enough to be in all of my winter jumpers and coats, by this time last year I was already well into my summer wardrobe! This jumper dress was another Whistles bargain from eBay and I love it. I always get really warm so the thin wool is perfect as it is warm without being too bulky on me. The shape of this can look fairly severe but paired with some jazzy accessories and make-up, it is more fun than you might think!

Dress: Whistles, tights:Tesco, belt: New Look, shoes: French Sole c/o Spartoo

Red lipstick is always my favourite and this Revlon lipstick in Provocateur is my favourite for a glossy red lip. I tend to wear matte lipstick but have been reaching for a satin/gloss finish recently as it just seems so much more wearable for daytime!

I love navy and red together and Essie Russian Roulette is a gorgeous bright shade. I have owed this leopard print belt for years and it is looking a bit worse for wear- has anyone seen a good replacement anywhere?

I am always nervous when I wear anything with a wrap skirt so I opted for a (very attractive) nude slip underneath to preserve my modesty and I was glad I did after some rather gale-like winds...no-one needs to see that much leg! 😮

How would you style this jumper dress?

Cosy in cashmere...

2017-04-10T16:38:00.002+01:00

Owning cashmere is such a luxury and I feel very lucky that I have some in my wardrobe. Mark bought me this ridiculously soft sweater for Christmas and I absolutely love it! The pale grey colour is pretty classic but the shape of this jumper is decidedly modern, especially with the boxy shape and slightly higher neck. I prefer the look of it with skirts rather than jeans, mainly as it gives me a reason to dig out my jazzy skirts and fun tights!

Jumper: Warehouse (gift from Mark), skirt: Tesco, tights: Tesco, shoes: New Look

My hair is getting so long recently and my hot brush is getting a lot of action! It is so easy to use (even if you are as clumsy as me!) and helps to give my hair a bit of a boost. Mark also treated me to the Charlotte Tilbury mini lipstick charms for Christmas and 'Very Victoria' is a gorgeous soft nude shade. (I also got Amazing Grace and Red Carpet Red which are equally gorgeous!) I was a little bit worried as I tend to go for brighter lipstick shades but this one is surprisingly flattering and wears really well. I will definitely be treating myself to a full size lipstick once I have picked out which shade to try next!

I have raved about Max Factor products a million times before and this nail varnish (shade 20 in silver FYI) is one of my favourites, I never could resist some sparkle!

This jazzy skirt is an old favourite of mine and was the perfect match for such a plain top. I may have been slightly too hasty to pack away my trusty opaques but it's definitely feeling more like Spring out there!

What is your favourite Charlotte Tilbury lipstick shade?

Sunshine yellow...

2017-03-26T19:25:00.002+01:00

Unlike red, yellow is not a colour that I wear very often. I love it as a colour but finding a shade that flatters me is pretty tricky. I spotted this top in Warehouse a couple of months ago and I fell in love and thankfully the colour actually works on me. It is more lemon in person but it is impossible to photograph so you will just have to take my word for how nice a colour it is! Paired with my favourite skinny jeans and some shiny shoes, it was the perfect outfit for dinner and drinks.

Top: Warehouse, jeans: River Island, shoes: River Island, necklace: Warehouse

I love wearing lipstick but eyeshadow is still a bit of a new one for me so I have been trying to push myself out of my make-up comfort zone. I always feel a bit weird wearing really heavy eye make-up when it is still light outside (yes, I know it's a strange things to be bothered by!) so I opted for a soft brown/bronze look instead. It still looked like I had made an effort but I didn't feel too overdressed walking into town, win win!

Necklace: Warehouse

These beautiful pleated sleeves were my favourite part of this top, aren't they fun?! They are quite long though so I wouldn't advise eating messy foods with these because they will dip into absolutely everything!

Shiny shoes will always be fun and this River Island pair are one of my favourites. Because they are flat they are super comfy and I can dance the whole night away in them. More proof that basics don't have to be boring!

Are you a fan of yellow?

Basics don't have to be boring...

2017-03-15T20:17:00.001+00:00

Basic is a pretty loaded term but even I have to take a break from dressing up; and when I need a break from pretty dresses, I head for simple pieces like this jazzy shirt and jeans. River Island have had some really nice casual pieces in recently and this shirt is a very welcome addition to my weekend wardrobe. I love the longer length of it and the soft cotton is thick enough to wear without a jacket which is ideal for this time of year.

Shirt: River Island, jeans: ASOS, shoes: Converse

My hot brush has been a key part of my hair routine for years and it is good to be able to use it again now that my hair is a bit longer. I don't tend to dry it from wet but it is good for adding some shape and taming my flyaways. I love an orange lipstick and the Revlon Just Bitten lipstain in Rendezvous was the perfect match to the orange stripes on the shirt.

The real highlight of this outfit for me though was the shoes. I've never really worn Converse but I saw this metallic pair and fell in love. I will always love anything rose gold and these shoes are just so shiny! 😍

I mean, how can you not have a smile on your face you are wearing these?! They are proof that basics don't have to be boring!

What are your wardrobe basics?

Red overload...

2017-03-05T16:19:00.001+00:00

Red dresses have long been a staple in my wardrobe and this smock number from good old M&S is a fun addition to my collection. I am not a fan of sleeves on dresses (although I've worn a few recently!) but I fell in love with the relaxed shape of this dress. Smock shapes are not the most flattering on me but they are very comfy and the gorgeous crochet detailing on the waistband meant I was sold! I wore this for a family meal a few weeks ago and it was ideal, especially for my postprandial snooze on the sofa! I may have gone a little overboard on the red front here (yes I do have red dress, nails and lipstick) but it is my favourite colour...

Dress: Marks & Spencer, shoes:Whistles (via eBay), tights: Tesco

I have been trying to do more with my hair recently now it is a bit longer and these soft waves were the perfect match for these vintage style waves. I am lucky enough to have fairly curly hair so I was able to just brush out my natural curls and smooth them down with this Bumble and Bumble styling creme. I don't like to use a lot of products on my hair but this one is so light and a little goes a long way.

I love block heels and this slimline Whistles pair are so elegant. I just need to keep scouring eBay until another pair turn up in my size!

Are you a fan of smock dresses? What's your favourite colour to wear?

Mixing prints...

2017-02-18T22:14:00.000+00:00

Recently the high street has been making clothes that are as good, if not better than many designers. Warehouse is one of my favourite brands and they are consistently creating beautiful clothes that look much more expensive than their price tag. This dress was a total bargain and I absolutely love the mix of prints and the shape. I usually don't go for long sleeves but this dress shape is one of my favourites and is mega flattering on. I have worn this dress out for dinner a couple of times and it is absolutely perfect, it looks fancy but it is mega comfortable to wear, especially with its swooshy skirt...

Dress: Warehouse, tights: John Lewis, shoes:c/o George at ASDA

When I was coming back from Barcelona, I had a few Euros left over so I treated myself to my first Chanel lipstick. I chose Rouge Allure in Éblouissante (shade 165) which is a beautiful rose pink shade and I absolutely love it. It wears so well and the packing is so luxe. it makes me feel so glamorous when I'm using it!

Mixed prints can be tricky to pull off so I kept it simple with some velvet opaque tights and my favourite pair of wedge heels. I'm not particularly tall so anything that can make my legs look longer is a winner in my book!

Are you a fan of Warehouse? Where are your favourite places to shop on the high street?

Exploring Slapton Sands in Devon...(PICTURE HEAVY)

2017-02-14T20:10:00.001+00:00

Last weekend, Mark and I headed down to Devon to spend a few days relaxing with my in-laws. We stayed at The Old Torcross Hotel which was converted into apartments and it was the perfect location, literally 20 steps to the beach with the most amazing views. I have always loved being by the sea and I could feel the stress lifting as soon as we stepped out of the car.

I mean just look how stunning this view is... 😍

Coat: Seasalt, top: H&M, trousers: H&M, socks: Karrimor, walking boots: Karrimor

The weather was absolutely amazing so we went on plenty of walks as we wanted to make the most of it.

Just a giant boulder... no biggie...

Our first one was from Torcross to Hallsands via Beesands and was about 6 miles in total. The walk was tricky at some points because it was so muddy but the views were so worth it! We walked as far as the Hallsands viewing platform where you could see what little remains of the village that was swept into the sea in January 1917 when a storm hit the coast after years of dredging. One of the original houses still remains but it's pretty bonkers how quickly the sea has reclaimed the land...

We also walked from Torcross, through Stokenham, up to Slapton, through Slapton and then back down to Torcross via Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. This was the view about a mile up the hill towards Stokenham...

Eat your heart out Bear Grylls!

St Michael and All Angels church, Stokenham

This looked like Middle Earth!

Slapton village was so pretty and looked like a film set of your quintessential English village, it was almost too good to be true!

The nature reserve is made up of a huge freshwater lake which is separated from the sea by the road and a narrow shingle bar. It's a pretty unique location and is home to some of the UK's rarest plants which is pretty cool!

Torcross was one of the sites used to practice for the D-Day landings and the village and surrounding area was evacuated to allow this to happen.

This Sherman tank was recovered from the sea back in 1985 and is now a memorial for the lost servicemen.

The Start Bay Inn was an amazing pub that had the most incredible food...

I mean look at the size of that plate of fish and chips! 😱

It was only a few days but this trip to Devon was the perfect escape from reality, I'd definitely recommend it if you get the chance!

Oversized denim and super stripes...

2017-01-16T19:46:00.000+00:00

After you have been blogging for a long time, it is inevitable that you will start repeating outfits or keep styling them in the same way. I absolutely love stripes and I usually end up pairing them with a swipe of red lipstick. This outfit is no different but I guess if it ain't broke...! This Warehouse denim dress is a fairly recent addition to my wardrobe and I absolutely love it. It is a completely different shape to my Hobbs denim dress (and I did size up as my usual size was sold out) but the oversized fit makes it perfect for layering up with chunky jumpers and boots.

Top: H&M, dress:Warehouse, tights:Accessorize, shoes:Marks & Spencer

MAC make the best lipsticks and Lady Bug is a great everyday red, especially if you are as pale as me! The lustre finish is great and means it wears evenly which I like. I can't be dealing with topping up my lipstick every time I eat or drink something...

Mark got me this delicate silver necklace for my birthday and it is beautiful, I love anything with my initials on!

Mary Jane heels will always be my favourite heel shape and they are ideal if you are as clumsy as me in heels. I love the chunky block heel and the colour is super fun. Nude fishnets are great for adding texture to an outfit and they are way more interesting than plain nude tights. I've always preferred them when I am wearing heels too, I think it's because I can grip the soles of my shoes more easily?!

What shapes and styles can't you stay away from?