The Flower Girl

OUTFIT: SHADES OF GREY

2013-05-16T18:04:00.000+01:00

Look of the day. Mixing a palette of taupe and heathery greys for a cool and simple spring look!

MY ESSENTIALS: KENT HAIRBRUSH

2013-05-15T20:11:00.000+01:00

One thing I can't live without is my little KENT boar bristle hairbrush. It's so dinky - I can even fit it in my pocket or the smallest of bags on an evening out. It's perfect for breezy days and lazy mornings!

What would you hate to live without?

OUTFIT: LUCY'S JACKET

2013-05-09T17:23:00.000+01:00

My friend Lucy owns the perfect leather jacket. I mean perfect. I found it very hard to return this to her! So typical, I find the right one after all these years - and someone else already owns it!

LE WEEKEND: #1

2013-05-08T16:05:00.001+01:00

OUTFIT: THE FIRST SUN

2013-05-07T20:44:00.001+01:00

In this perfect weather we've had the last few days I've been wearing jeans, a light tee, and a pair of sandals - a sort of half-way house before introducing skirts and shorts into my summer wardrobe.
I love this kind of look. I love this kind of weather. Not too hot that you get all sticky just wandering down the street, but hot enough for the freckles to come out on your nose, to enjoy an ice cream, have lunch on the balcony, and revel a ten minute nap in the spot of sun that creeps onto the sofa. Perfect.

FOOD: BURGER APPRECIATION

2013-05-03T16:57:00.003+01:00

Burgers are totally trending guys! Do you know what I mean? They're as photogenic as they are delicious - God forbid you eat a burger without instagraming it first, right?! Gourmet burgers are getting more and more extravagant; jammed with all sorts of delicious fillings, and stacked so high we aren't sure how to eat them. It's a little silly, but hey, who cares when they taste so good!

I thought I'd share the pictures of some burgers I made the other night. They're super easy to make - apparently you can put just about anything in a burger. I used what we had to hand: two types of cheese (Gruyere and Cheddar, which you melt under the grill once the patties are cooked), beetroot, carrot, tomato, spring onion, lettuce, spicy tomato chutney, and a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise. Perfect!

Lightly toasted burger buns waiting patiently....I think you could also make some pretty healthy burgers too. Switch the heavy sauces for a home made salad dressing (honey mixed with balsamic vinegar and lemon is amazing), jam pack it with lettuce, spinach, tomato, and other fresh goodies, and make your own burger patties with turkey mince and spring onion! Mmmmmm, sounds good, non?

SHOES: THE STILETTO

2013-05-01T14:37:00.000+01:00

Every girl should own a pair of classic stiletto heels. They look so beautiful paired with ankle grazing trousers.

My top 3 pics:

1. Christian Louboutin Batignolles pumps.

2. Jimmy Choo Vicki pumps.

3. Zara court shoe.

pic via Tumblr

WARDROBE PLANNING: SPRING '13

2013-04-29T19:45:00.001+01:00

Spring seems to me to be the girliest of the months - feminine, gentle and light. And after weeks spent in rough jeans, long boots, and yards of scarves, who doesn't feel refreshed at the thought of light clothes, fresh scents, and a more girlish wardrobe? I've been making some spring inspiration collages, and thought I'd share them (above) as I begin to plan my spring wardrobe.

It's been a long time coming, but it seems the warmer weather is finally arriving in England. The practical side of me always chooses to invest in winter clothes: coats, ankle boots, jumpers, and so on, and I've never put much effort into cultivating a spring/summer wardrobe, but this year I'm determined to make a little bit more of an effort, and finally start making small steps towards owning more season appropriate clothes.

This being England, it's always a rookie mistake to ditch your coat altogether at the first sign of the sun. So, I think the best thing to do is switch to a trench, or lightweight coat, which you can layer a jumper underneath, should there be a nip in the air. Luckily, I've just purchased a trench coat (exact one from collage). It's the perfect length, and a little younger in style than the Burberry I eventually sold. I can't tell you how chic and feminine it feels thrown on over, well, anything, after months in a mannish wool coat. It won't be leaving my side for some time.

So, what's the plan for spring? I'll stick to basic vests, and lightweight blouses with rolled up sleeves, in un-nameable shades of peach, cream and beige. These will be paired with a floral skirt (I have just purchased the one in collage below). Flats are, unquestionably, the first thing I reach for in Spring - before it's warm enough for sandals come out, and as soon as boots feel over the top. I'd like to invest in a pair of very wearable, peep toe heels for everyday use. They can't be too high, or I'll feel over dressed, and I'd like them to be in a shade of brown or beige, as I reserve black heels for going out. The scent? Chloe, of course. And I have my eye on this special necklace from Stephen Dweck, I am thinking of treating myself to, as it's my birthday next month...

But anyway, what are your spring plans?

1st collage pics via Elle UK, jeannedamas.blogspot.com, Just Jared.
2nd collage via Polyvore.

OUTFIT: TRENCH SEASON

2013-04-25T18:17:00.000+01:00

It's trench coat season ladies! I can't tell you how pleased I am to finally be out of my winter coat. Are you with me?!

What better way to make a classic trench coat pop, than to let it do all the talking... I like wearing a pair of jeans and blouse with mine, and after many months together, I'm finally beginning to step out of my Marant boots and into my favourite flats... But hey, one last shout out to ankle boots?!

Are you a trench coat girl? If so, how do you style yours?

TRENCH - TOPSHOP, BLOUSE - H&M, JEANS - BDG, BOOTS - ISABEL MARANT

MY ESSENTIALS: NUDE NAILS

2013-04-23T18:30:00.000+01:00

My second "My Essentials" post - nude nail varnish!

Did you catch the first one? In case you missed it, "My Essentials" is a new category for the blog which is posted weekly, it will focus on the little things in life we can't live without (or could, but don't want to!).

I love having my nails painted, it makes me feel neat and groomed, but I can't stand chipped varnish. Which is why, day-to-day, I wear a nude colour. It's classic, goes with everything, and doesn't show if you get a little chip here and there!

Red polish is so chic and fun, but even if it has the tiniest of chips, it shows! Also, I hate having a bright polish which you have to match with your outfit. It's crazy! I don't have the patience for that! I will put a brighter polish on from time to time however, for evenings out and such.

The easiest varnish to wear all the time is nude! I still haven't found my perfect shade, but these two are the ones I've been using lately:

1. O.P.I - Sweet Heart. The perfect colour, but I find it hard to apply. You have to be so careful, so I paint this one when I have plenty of time.
2. Barry M - Nude. Very easy to paint on, but so pale I have to wear 3 coats!

Do you like this new category? What else would you like to see on the blog?!

ARTICLE: FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

2013-04-22T18:49:00.000+01:00

I want to continue coming up with new topics to talk about with you guys, and today's article is a subject I haven't written about on the blog before, but one which plays such an important daily role in our lives, that I think we should talk about it! Lingerie!

Lingerie makes up the foundations of our outfits. Even though it's not visible, it shouldn't be overlooked. As well as having a huge impact on how our clothes look and feel, it also plays an emotional role; holding the power to boost our self confidence, as well as our bodies.

Let's look at the effect is has on our clothes. In the first place, I know that if I'm wearing a great set of underwear, I make more of an effort to put a nice outfit together. Who would want to cover up lovely lingerie with a bad outfit? On top of that - if you're wearing lingerie that fits you properly, and is the right cut for your shape, it enhances your body and you feel much better in your clothes.

I demand my underwear be both comfy and pretty at the same time, and there's no reason it should be boring. If I put on anything uncomfortable, I'm conscious of it all day. Sorry, but no-one likes a VPL. Another thing to remember is that it's going right next to your skin, so it should feel nice. I love silk, it's so beautiful to the touch, and even the simplest style of briefs will suddenly look sexy if they're made of a luxurious material. There are so many styles to choose from, and if you aren't yet an underwear junkie like me, you soon will be once you start looking. There's something so fun and addictive about lovely lingerie.

The mental role it has to play may not be so apparent, but I think it's actually more valid. The right underwear changes your mood; it can make you feel so confident. If you haven't ever tried on a killer set of matching lingerie, you might not get what I'm talking about, and I'll admit, it does sound a bit silly. There's nothing magical going on here, but what we wear, in this case lingerie (although it applies to clothing too), can make us feel all manner of ways - from sexy to elegant, playful to mature, the list is endless. And the fact that nobody can see your underwear somehow makes it more fun! Sexiness isn't always about what you see, it's about the feelings you pick up from someone. I think self confidence is one of the most attractive qualities, and yes, what we wear can have a huge impact on how confident we feel.

Of course, there are more important factors in life than clothes (or lingerie), but I do believe that what we put on our backs can help us be the best versions of ourselves! So, whether your lingerie is for your eyes only, or if a special someone will see it too, you should wear it for yourself.

Never underestimate the power of a secret weapon.

-----
My favourite lingerie brands:

Intimissimi. This brand is the reason I got hooked on lingerie. I bought one set, and then went back the next day for two more. I then threw away all my crap, mis-matched underwear and felt like a new woman! It's really well priced and practical, but sexy at the same time.

Calvin Klein Underwear. Two words: triangle bra. I have 3 sets of the triangle 'Envy' bras, with all the versions of matching knickers I could find! They are virtually invisible under the clingiest of clothes and super comfy.

So, what do you guys think about lingerie? Secret weapon? Or not so important?

ON LOCATION: TOAST

2013-04-19T19:44:00.000+01:00

This week Toast invited me to blog for them! Yesterday I went to check out the S/S collection and take in the atmosphere of their beautiful shop. Tucked away in my favourite little pocket of Bath is Toast's unofficial flagship store, the fresh and airy building matches the nature of the clothing, and aesthetic of the brand to perfection. It's their biggest store, and one of my favourite shops in the city. If you're in Bath or visiting, definitely pop your head in, the staff are really kind and helpful, and of course, stylish!
The new collection will make you want to pack your bags and head off into the sunshine. Beautiful loose denim dresses and saltwater sandals are a reminder of childish ramblings through flowery gardens, while high waisted shorts and 50's inspired swimsuits give a lady like feeling to the whole collection. The colour palette is subtle, but expect to find the odd splash of bright orange and yellow - mostly in the form of beautiful jewellery - the gorgeous tassel necklaces would make a simple pair of white jeans and tee look so effortless.
Sadly I couldn't make the event they held last night, but they were giving out these beautiful flower arrangements, which were smaller incarnations of their stunning window display!
Toast makes such wearable, classic clothes. If, like me, you're a fan of a good pair of boyish jeans and a stripey top, you won't be disappointed. There were also some amazing suede ankle boots - always a big gold star in my books!
Thank you so much for having me, Toast!
Also, a big thanks to my wonderful boyfriend for helping me take the pictures!

MINT S/S 13

2013-04-18T17:24:00.000+01:00

The MINT S/S 13 lookbook is coming soon! Very excited to show you guys - we have some wonderful pieces in this year.

My shop MINT turns 2 this week! Come and celebrate with us tonight until 8pm, with a glass of wine, beautiful clothes and good company.

Photograoher: Nik Jones.
Model: Becky May.
Model wears: RayBan 'meteor' sunglasses, Sinequanone 1960's style dress.

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

2013-04-17T15:49:00.000+01:00

Voting closes tonight at 8pm for the Fashion Blogger Award I've been shortlisted for! Thank you to everyone who has already voted, it means so much to me. Great things have already happened because of this nomination, and I'm so grateful for it. If you would like to add your vote, please do so HERE.

Thank you again!

ARTICLE: CREATIVE LAYOUT

2013-04-14T20:36:00.000+01:00

Arranging your clothing creatively is essential if you want to feel inspired every morning when you get dressed. I love clothes, but I still have those days where nothing feels right and I get the sensation I'm searching for something that doesn't exist.

For me, this can often lead to impulse buying things I don't need. A slippery slope, as I'm sure most of you will agree. Sometimes the best thing to do in moments like these is avoid the shops like the plague and instead have a good look through everything you already have - clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery, and try and find new ways of pairing things together. If you're trying on lots of outfits - I find taking a picture in the mirror a good way to judge how things work together, if everything is well balanced, etc.

Another great move if you're feeling uninspired by your clothes is to re-arrange them! All my clothing is hung on a simple rack, or folded on a table, in a little room at the top of our flat. It's a dingy space, which I've never found very creative, and so I go to great lengths to make sure my clothing is displayed as nicely as possible. Until earlier this week, it was all hung in colour order, and while it was very visually appealing, I found it hard to put an outfit together in the mornings. I would be drawn to one thing, then end up fumbling around trying to find something else to pair it with. So I decided to try hanging corresponding pieces of clothing next to one another, so that when I get dressed an outfit is already there, waiting to be worn (or at least reminding me of ways to wear it).

Most shops lay clothing out so that it's easy for you to see how things can go together. I always think The Kooples arrange the clothing in their boutiques very ~~well~~ cleverly - you find a beautiful blouse you like, and - voilà! - right behind it is the perfect pair of tailored trousers to wear it with, the trousers might be followed by a matching jacket, behind that is a dress you can also wear the jacket with, and so on. You see? The more time spent humming and harring over what to wear you can eliminate, the more effortlessly an outfit will come together.

So maybe if you have a tendency to feel un-inspired by your clothes, have a look at the way your clothing is presented to you, and see if you can't make it a little more creative.

Pic via my Instagram.

CLOTHING: LA MINI-JUPE

2013-04-13T21:52:00.002+01:00

Lately I've been thinking about...mini skirts!

And how chic you can make a leather skirt paired with a cosy cashmere jumper.

And how feminine a leather jacket suddenly becomes when worn with a tight pencil skirt.

And what a cool alternative to jeans one is with long boots and super thick tights.

And, well, you get it. Right?

This one from Zadig et Voltaire is amazing. As is this one from The Kooples, which can be worn as a mini skirt, or a long skirt!

Pic via Heart In A Cage

INSPIRATION: SHY GESTURES

2013-04-12T14:15:00.003+01:00

For anyone else needing a little boost of inspiration on this grey day, let me alert your attention to this video from The Avant Garde Diaries with Ana Kraš, who is a lamp shade designer. If this doesn't leave you with a burning desire to work hard at what inspires you the most, and surround yourself with the things in your life that make you happiest, I don't know what will! Enjoy!

ARTICLE: JACKET TALK

2013-04-10T17:04:00.001+01:00

Can we talk about Clemence Poesy's enviable collection of perfect jackets? Of course we can...

As a serious jacket lover myself thanks to my Mum (who, due to her own obsession, inadvertently taught me to invest my money in jackets and coats), I'm drooling over the wonderful array of jackets Clemence has. From the perfect Isabel Marant cool, to the classic Chanel tweed, she nails it every time. In pairing these beautiful jackets with very simple counter parts - in most jeans and a t-shirt, she makes them look very effortless - even that dazzling gold Balmain number!

I started thinking about the best investments I've made in my wardrobe, and apart from shoes, jackets have definitely been the most successful. I have 3: a classic black blazer by Chloe, an Isabel Marant boucle jacket, and a more recent investment - a Birger et Mikkelsen sequin jacket, which, surprisingly, goes with everything (I'll show you this one soon!). These are all very different, but I could pair any one of them with my daily outfits or evening looks. I just switch them depending on my mood.

What's not to love about these chameleon like pieces of clothing? As well as being able to wear them all year round (under our cosy winter coats, and over our dresses on cool summer evenings) they add an edge to even the most basic of looks - be it cool, chic, smart or lady-like. Owning a couple of jackets that fit you perfectly, and that you know look great, leads to being able to dress effortlessly, because you can throw one over your jeans and t-shirt and be good to go.

Everyone is different - maybe you're quite casual and you want a couple of great pairs of jeans to pull together your outfits, or if you have a busy job it's a perfectly fitting trouser suit you're after, or maybe it's an exquisite handbag you can carry all the time, day and night, and know just works with everything (hang on, don't we all need one of those?). If you're uncertain, have a look in your closet and see what items you constantly reach for, and go from there.

What I'm saying, is that by carefully selecting a few pieces of clothing that fit you perfectly, and which pull together any look, you don't have to think as much when you get dressed, but you'll still look great (if not better), because you can rely on those items to deliver, time after time.

Clemence Poesy and her jackets are the perfect example, no? She has very simple hair styles and make-up, fuss-free outfits, but her style revolves around one thing: the jacket!

So, which is your favourite?

clemence's jacket collection by beckymayblog on Polyvore

OUTFIT: STUD

2013-04-06T17:44:00.003+01:00

Coat - The Kooples, Jeans & Top - H&M, Boots - New Look, Hat - Topshop

Yesterday's look! I'm really enjoying pairing these studded biker boots with simple outfits - they instantly add a cool edge to any look. I can't wait for them to be a little more worn in and battered though!

As you know I've been shortlisted for the Bath in Fashion Blogger Award, but I'm also featured on their Facebook Page this weekend too! If you would like to vote for me, please do so here, it's a really simple tick box form and takes no time at all! Thank you! And a big thank you to everyone who has voted so far!

I hope you're all enjoying the weekend!

FOR SALE - Isabel Marant Sneakers

2013-04-06T16:01:00.000+01:00

I'm looking to sell my Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers. Size UK 6/EU 39. They have a hidden wedge heel. Colour Anthracite. Price: £320 (RRP £390) They were only worn a few times, in excellent condition. Can supply orignal box if need be. See exact ones here. These sold out everywhere, and are pretty hard to find now! Will post to UK only.

~~Just pop me a line (beckymayblog@gmail.com) if you are interested, with all your questions. I can supply good detailed pictures for anyone interested.~~

~~Pop the word around if you like! Thanks!~~

Sorry, these are no longer available!

MY ESSENTIALS: LIP BALM!

2013-04-04T18:02:00.000+01:00

One of the beauty products I can't live without, lip balm! I'm fussy about the consistency of them, I hate my lips to feel too glossy - you know, so glossy your hair gets stuck in your lips? No thanks. I like my lips to feel smooth and almost as if I'm not wearing anything on them at all. I carry a lip balm everywhere with me, it's still cold here in the UK which makes my skin very dry, and to top it off, everywhere still has the radiators on! When I get home my skin and lips are drained of all moisture, so I take off all my make-up, smother my face in Nivea cream and one of these lip balms!

Here are my top 3 favourites!

1. Avene Cold Cream lip balm. I recently discovered this one in my local pharmacy. It's really thick and creamy, I looove it!

2. Caudalie Lip Conditioner. I received 3 of these for Christmas, all from different people! I guess my family have cottoned on to how crazy I am about lip balm. This one isn't as heavy as the Avene one, so probably better for warmer months, I use it when my lips feel in good condition already. I also like to use it as a base under lipsticks.

3. Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm - Plum. This is a lovely one, I use it when I want some subtle colour as well as care. It looks like it will come out bright purple, but you just get a berry-ish stain. Now that I think of it - this was also a Christmas gift!

Also, "My Essentials" is a new category for the blog which I will post weekly, it will focus on the little things in life we can't live without (or could, but don't want to!). Hope you enjoy!

Pic via my Instagram

CLOTHING: THE LEATHER JACKET

2013-04-03T15:17:00.002+01:00

How cool are girls who wear leather jackets? More precisely, how cool are girls who have one leather jacket they wear all the time? Like Cara and Freja.

I can't tell you how much I'm longing to find my leather jacket. One that fits like a glove - almost as if a mould has been made of my body, so it melts and creases in all the right places. I would wear it under my winter coat when it's cold, over ditsy dresses in the spring, with jeans and a tee. In fact, I struggle to think what wouldn't wear it with. I found a terrific All Saints one which has been playing on my mind for a while, but it's such a big decision to make and I think I've over-thought it now! A leather jacket is an investment piece, and I want to get it just right.

What do you think? Do you know in your heart when you find the right one?

Picture source

BATH FASHION BLOGGER AWARDS

2013-03-28T19:15:00.000Z

I'm very excited to announce my blog has been shortlisted for the first Bath in Fashion Blogger Awards! A panel of judges selected 10 fashion blogs to go through to the finals, and my blog was chosen!

I need YOUR help to win! Please vote for my blog here. It would mean the world to me!

The awards ceremony will be held on April 18th at the fashion show in Bath, when they will announce which of the 10 nominated blogs has won! We'll all be attending the fashion show - and you can come too if you like!

The event takes place during Bath In Fashion (Saturday 13^th April, to Sunday 21^st April 2013), a week-long festival celebrating, well, fashion! What could be better? My shop MINT will be holding a special Fashions Night Out event on the evening of April 18th. For anyone who can make it, please come along to celebrate and say hello! If you are coming to Bath by train or bus we are located less than 100m from the station! For full details see us here under 'M'!

Finally, thank you all for your support over the last couple of years. I wouldn't be nominated for this award without you.

X

This post also marks the rebirth of outfit posts! It's been a while since I did a proper post of this kind, and to be honest, I hadn't realised how much I missed it. This outfit is pretty much a uniform look for me, well, apart from the boots, which are a new purchase. My main goal when shopping is to look for well-made, timeless pieces which I know will stay in my wardrobe for years, but every now and then I just want to be a little more...impulsive. Enter studded biker boots. These were cheap and fun, and although they aren't an item I would consider to be timeless, I won't lose sight of my main goal to buy items that will transcend trends and seasons. I just figured that, while I'm young, being a bit more impulsive with fashion from time to time is actually pretty healthy.

Coat: The Kooples, Scarf: White Company, Top: H&M, Jeans: H&M, Boots: New Look.

OUTFIT: WINTER BLUES

2013-03-27T16:59:00.000Z

Beanie: Topshop, Coat: The Kooples, Jumper: Isabel Marant, Jeans: H&M, Sneakers: Isabel Marant.

While the weather takes it's sweet time getting ready for spring, I'm trying to stay inspired with my winter clothes. It's getting a little boring now, I mean, I'm a winter girl at heart, but I can't wait to ditch my coat in favour of some light knitwear with cropped jeans and flats.
I also had to throw away two of my favourite jumpers which had been worn to a thread, making getting dressed a lot less fun in the mornings! I'm deciding whether or not it's worth replacing them now that its officially spring. I think I'll save my money for more season appropriate purchases, um, if winter ever ends, that is...

I didn't end up selling my Isabel Marant sneakers, deciding that the love/hate fling I'm having with them wasn't quite 'flung'. I think I'll put some lighter grey laces in them to bring out the colour more - they always look darker in photos than in real life.

In other news, my Tumblr (The Flower Woman) is now solely dedicated to clothing, hair and make-up inspiration.

Finally...some very exciting news coming up soon! Stay tuned, I can't wait to tell you...

MAKE UP BAG

2013-03-26T14:48:00.002Z

apc

Remember I was looking for the perfect make up bag?

Well, I think I've found them!

Now, to choose the right colour...

Swaying towards the pink. What a nice pop of colour in your handbag! But the burnt orange is cool too. Cream is too risky. I would splodge it with mascara immediately.

Oh man, help!

What do you think?