LURCHHOUNDLOVES - UK FASHION BLOG AND LIFESTYLE DIARY

THREE WAYS TO WEAR THE PARTY DRESS THIS AUTUMN/WINTER

2015-09-28T12:30:00.000+01:00

Shop My Party Dress Looks Below...

With each new season comes new trends and a great excuse to stock up on new outfits for the pending Christmas party season. In todays post I have put together three different trend inspired outfits, styling my favourite new in dresses from Forever Unique, which is the perfect destination for finding your dream party dress this fall. So, let's begin with outfit number one...

Silky Snakeskin

If you read my post a while back on 'Why You Need a Snakeskin Accessory', you may probably have guessed that I have fallen hook line and sinker for anything that has a snakeskin sheen to it. So, for my first look I have styled the slinky drape front Rebecca dress with snakeskin shoes, bag and even a cute snakeskin bangle, to carry the theme throughout my accessories. I would also choose a nude or neutral lip to work with this trend, especially as the dress also adopts a muted ice grey tone, which is another key colour / trend for the new season (see here for why).

70s Night Fever

At First I didn't think I was going to be that keen on the 70s trend, but I have pleasantly surprised myself with my new found love of all things fringed, snakeskin, platforms and faux fur. Red is also always a great colour for the festive season, so when you combine that with must have 'rust' tones for Autumn / Winter and a Seventies vixen vibe you are ready to party away with 'night fever'. I Absolutely adore this look and think this Toya red fitted pencil dress with buckle detail and cut out front is classy, yet sexy, all rolled into one.

Gothic Glitter

With Victorian / gothic vibes and glitter / sequins both being trends for the new season, why not have fun by mashing both together for a fun party outfit this Fall. It never hurts to have a trusty LBD in your collection, so you can't go wrong with this pretty lace Gillian dress, which has high neck detailing. Pair this with your favourite metallic or glitter filled bag, shoes and accessories (if you are daring you could even add a pair of glitter socks to finish your look). Think of it as a new take on the monochrome trend, switching out your whites in favour of golds or silvers.

Do you have a go to party dress and which of the above looks would you rock this Autumn / Winter?

This post was written in collaboration with Forever Unique. For more information on my full disclaimer, please see here.

SOAP AND GLORY BEAUTY HAUL

2015-09-25T12:30:00.000+01:00

Shop My Favourite Soap & Glory products below...

A lover of Soap & Glory body products, especially their divine smelling Breakfast Scrub and body lotions, I was recently kindly sent some new items to try, including an updated body lotion scent (for me), their Sugar Crush body lotion, and some beauty products, which was super exciting, as I have never tried them before.

The three new beauty products I tried, have all turned out to be a godsend and are their Pillow Plump lipgloss in nude that tingles on your lips and gives them a plumped up effect (as the name would suggest). The Archery brow pencil, which for me having blonde eyebrows, is a great eyebrow tool to gently and naturally build up the look of thicker and fuller eyebrows. Finally, their Supercat eyeliner has finally allowed me to try and get my cat eyes on fleek! I still need a lot of practice, trust me, but I find the felt tip pen like tip easier to get a neat and even line than using liquid or gel eyeliner.

For a bit more insight on these Soap and Glory products, I have put together a video on my YouTube Channel with these products, which you can watch here or below. Thanks for reading and watching!

This post was shot on a Olympus ELP-7 Camera

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

HOW TO WEAR YOUR DRESSING GOWN IN PUBLIC & GET AWAY WITH IT

2015-09-23T12:30:00.000+01:00

I Am Wearing: BDG Coat | Stan Smiths | Bag | Earrings | Shirt | Trousers c/o Urban Outfitters (Shop The Look Below)

OK, so i'll admit. I am not really wearing a dressing gown here, but in fact a beautiful robe inspired coat by BDG at Urban Outfitters (available here). But with dressing gown inspired tie waist coats being a big trend this Autumn / Winter, I suppose you best get used to your boyfriend or partner always asking: 'Why are you wearing your sleepwear in public?' Sometimes boys just don't get it do they.

I already can't count the amount of times James has asked why I am wearing my robe out on one hand, after only having worn this beauty a handful of times. But don't let that put you off ladies. Not only are tie waist dressing gown coats super trendy they are also super comfy too (as you can imagine). I just have to not let myself be tempted to wear my UGG slippers out with it, as I already have a tendency to do that to the shops, or when visiting friends, or parents; call me a sucker for comfort.

So, in today's blog post I am offering some tips on how I would style the 'dressing gown' coat trend, so you don't look like you have just stepped out of the house in your PJs (dog optional)...

Get 15% off orders at Daniel Wellington until September 30th with the code 'LURCHHOUNDLOVES15'

1. OPT FOR CASUAL TAILORING

Rather than wearing an item of clothing that resembles a pair of Pyjamas - think casual jogging pants or sweaters - try to pair your dressing gown inspired coat with tailored pieces. Not only do these juxtapose the coat, the combination also makes tailoring more dressed down for an achievable every day look. You can't ever go wrong with a white shirt and I have styled this oversized boyfriend version here with just one side tucked in, to emphasis the casual tailored vibe I was going for, whilst also emphasisng my waistline.

2. PLAY WITH LENGTHS

If wearing looser items of clothing, like I am here, I would suggest playing with lengths on the layers underneath your dressing gown coat. Either by styling with a skirt, dress or flashing a bit of ankle in a pair of cropped flared trousers, like mine here. BTW, cropped flared trousers are also an 'IT' trouser and great investment for this season's 70's trend. By flashing a bit of leg, you will find that your outfit is more figure flattering. Sometimes when wearing over-sized coats you can swamp your whole body, if wearing wide leg trousers etc. If you want to opt for full-length trousers I would recommend skinny jeans or leather trousers with your robe coat.

3. ADD A STATEMENT ACCESSORY

You can jazz your dressing gown inspired coat up with a funky accessory. I mean, you wouldn't normally wear a suede tassel bag with your pajamas would you? Mix up textures by opting for fringing or you could add a pop of colour to your look with a statement neck scarf, over-sized earrings or bag of choice.

4. PAIR WITH YOUR FAVOURITE TRAINERS

You all probably know by now that I am a sucker for white trainers. As robe coats are the optimal outerwear choice when dressing for comfort, you can carry on this theme with your favourite pair of kicks, whilst adding a sporty, chic vibe to your outfit too. I mean, how amazing are my new velcro Stan Smiths (available here), which even have the season's coveted snake print adorning their heel...winner!

So, that is how I will be wearing my dressing gown coat (available here) this Autumn / Winter. I hope this post has given you some inspiration and I would love to know how you will be wearing your dressing gown coats this A/W, so do let me know in the comments below. You can re-create my look online here or by clicking on the images below. Thanks for reading guys!

*This post is kindly in collaboration with Urban Outfitters, but all opinions and views are my own. You can read my full disclaimer here.

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN BUYING A CO-ORD

2015-09-20T12:30:00.000+01:00

I Am Wearing: AKA Clothing Marble Print Skirt & Top Shop My Favourite Two Pieces Below...

When you get the right co-ord to suit your body shape, it makes you feel super feminine yet sexy at the same time, whilst you remain feeling comfortable and not worrying about any flesh that may be on show. Personally, I have seen so many two piece sets that I love, but the tops are either too revealing for me, or the skirts are too short for my liking, So, with that being said, I thought I would put together some of my tips for finding the perfect two piece to suit your body shape, whilst sharing my new set from Manchester based brand AKA clothing...

1. What Do I Want To Cover?

I find this the best question to start with when looking for the perfect co-ord. I prefer to keep the tops of my legs covered and to go for midi styles over mini skirts or a pair of shorts. Although, I also like to go for an asymmetric or split style, one for ease of movement and two so I feel kind of sexy too (we are all allowed to sometimes right?). Unlike myself, you on the overhand may like to keep your arms or stomach covered and to show off your amazing legs instead. So before you start looking, have a think about what you want to cover and what you want to show off, which may eliminate a number of styles from the start.

2. Is My Co-ord for Daytime, Evening or Both?

Next you will want to think when you want to wear your co-ord. Is it for the day, such as during Summer or to hit the beach. Or, is it for a night out with the girls? If you were looking for a beach two piece you may go for a pair of shorts and a cute crop top. If for the evening you may go for a tight fitting or slinky skirt and top combination, or even a pair of wide leg trousers. Alternatively, you could be going for a day to day look and instead be looking for denim on denim. Once you know when you will be wearing your co-ord you can then start to think about materials, styles and patterns.

3. Can I Wear Both Items Separately?

My last tip is trying to find a versatile co-ord. Rather than getting a set that you would only wear together, try to find two pieces that you will also wear on their own and style with other items. This will not only give you more for your money but could also add some wardrobe staples to your clothing collection. For example, I would definitely wear the above skirt with a pair of trainers for a day look with a chunky grey jumper. Or, if wearing for the evening I may wear the top on it's own with a leather skirt instead or wide leg high waist trousers.

So, those are the three questions I would ask when buying a new co-ord. I hope they have been helpful and I would suggest Missguided and ASOS for multiple two piece choices at great prices. If you have your own tips I would love to know in the comments below or you can tweet me @CharlotteLewis_

This post was shot on a Olympus ELP-7 Camera

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

NEW IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR AUTUMN

2015-09-18T12:30:00.000+01:00

Shop My New In Beauty Products Below...

In todays post I am talking all things new in beauty for Autumn / Winter. Although you may already have seen, heard of or used these products before, they are a new venture for myself and items that I have not previously tried. Below I will run through my thoughts on each of the products and you can also see them in more detail by watching my YouTube video below...

Say hello to the Tangle Teezer's rival: the Wet Brush! Coveted my top Victoria Secrets model Candice Swanepoel as one of her hair beauty secrets definitely covets this brush as a must have. This nifty brush has also been seen with the like of Kendal Jenner and Vanessa Hudgens. Gentle for use on wet hair (which you can probably guess from the name), I have actually been adopting this brush over my Tangle Teezer as I find it easier for using to drive my hair (due to the paddle style brush) and I also love the animal print design I have. Although I will probably stick to my TT for popping in my bag (due to the size) this is definitely my go to styling brush when at home.

I have always been one for using coconut infused body lotions and products as not only do I love the smell, but also how intensely they moisturise your skin too. I am sure you have heard of Palmers before, who have now released a body lotion that actually incorporates coconut oil in it! Offering 24 hour moisture with a coconut scent reminiscent of holidays on the beach, this product also has no parabens, no gluten, no sulfates and more. For more information on this product you can see here.

I don't know about you, but I always struggle with my nails getting to a decent length, only to all start snapping off, catching or peeling one by one. What I tend to find annoying about nail strengtheners is that they only usually come in a clear form and tend to make any varnish on top I use, chip quicker. Trind have come up with a solution: coloured nail strengthener. Off the batm this pearlised pink version isn't my usual cup of tea, but once on the colour is subtle and would look great used over white tips for a manicure finish. I can also note it took a good few days and some cleaning (with no gloves...whoopsie) before this chipped and it is available in other colours: good work!

As a bleach blonde (to a now temporary pink hair convert) I love to test out new shampoos that promise to banish any brassy tones. Before going pink I used this Klorane anti-yellowing shampoo on my platinum locks and after leaving on for 5-10 minutes I was surprised at the shifting power of this shampoo - considering it is clear and not the usual purple shade. I think that if you have yellow (rather than orange brassy tones) that this would work great to neutralise your shade or add shine to dulling grey hair.

"Oh wrinkles, how I hate thee". As my age slowly creeps up to hit thirty and I start to loathe the creases that adorn my forehead, anything that promises to preserve skin, reduce wrinkles, fill lines and repair skin, sounds good to me! Coming in a little box as a trio of goodies, these Transformulas 'beauty without surgery' products have been hailed by publications such as the Daily Mail (see here) for their anti-ageing wizardry and they even have a product that actually contains 23 carats of precious gold (available here)!

Last but not least are a few of my favourites from the new Body Shop 'Spa Of The World' range. Including this beautiful body scrub , body cream and body oil. you may have read my review post on them here, but I wanted to include them again as not only are they new but they are now my ritual bath time staples so I would urge you to try them if you fancy some spa like luxury at home.

So those are the new in beauty products that I will be using this Autumn. I hope you have enjoyed reading this post or watching my video (if you did I would love for you to subscribe to my feed for weekly videos here) and I will see you in my next one. Also, don't forget to comment below with any new in beauty products you would recommend for this season of if you have tried the above also. Thanks for reading and I have left the products featured here below....

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

HOW TO WEAR DENIM DUNGAREES

2015-09-16T12:30:00.000+01:00

I Am Wearing: Dungarees - Topshop | Top c/o Petit Bateau | Daniel Wellington Watch (get 15% off until Sept 30th with 'lurchhoundloves15')

I have become somewhat obsessed with denim dungarees, since buying this pair from Topshop and I now have my eyes set on bagging this beautiful denim pair from Whistles in either denim or black - honestly, I'm not fussy! So, in ode to my new favourite overalls I thought I would put a quick post together on how to wear denim dungarees, so that you don't feel like a giant todler...

BTW you can get 15% off at Daniel Wellington (where my beautiful watch is from) with the discount code 'lurchhoundloves15' until the 30th of September...

1. Stripes Always Work

A lover of the classic breton, I find that stripes tend to go with any look, making an outfit look super chic. So, to avoid looking like a giant baby, by adding stripes you are adding a touch of Parisian Chic to your look. What I am wearing here would also look super cute with a pair of leather ballet pumps, again pulling on the Parisian vibe, also adding to the comfort of your look.

2. Experiment With Shoes

At first, I thought that wearing a pair of boots with denim dungarees sounded pretty silly, but in reality, it works! Although a nice crisp pair of white Stan Smiths or new converse would also look killer, think out of the box and don't feel like you can only wear trainers with denim dungarees. I am actually looking forward to experimenting with heels for an evening look, especially when I get my hands on a black denim set of dungarees!

3. Layering

As we are coming into Autumn, now is the perfect time to start playing with layers. Whether you opt for wearing your dungarees over a shirt with a leather jacket, or adorning a polo neck underneath with an added necker chief on top. Have a go at trying your denim dungarees with staple items from your wardrobe and you may surprise yourself with a new look.

To avoid looking like a giant baby wearing your denim dungarees I would overall say that trying to be a bit fashion forward and having a play with layers and accessories is the best way to make this item adult friendly. I for one will be living in mine this Autumn / Winter, so I can't wait to experiment a bit more with mine. Below I have popped some of my favourite denim dungarees from the high street for your shopping pleasure...

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

MINT VELVET MANCHESTER STORE LAUNCH BTS

2015-09-14T12:30:00.000+01:00

Shop My Top Mint Velvet Picks below (And keep reading for a peek inside the new Manchester, King Street store!)

Last month I was kindly invited into the gorgeous new Mint Velvet boutique store in Manchester, which is located at 28 King Street, to explore their new shopping space whilst trying on some of their latest styles. Having a bit of fun experimenting, I thought I would try on some heels with a relaxed layered look, which I actually think worked really well to deliver the brand message of 'relaxed glamour'.

And by the way, if you are around on the 17th of September (this week) the Manchester King Street in-store launch is taking place. So I would definitely recommend popping in to the new boutique, even if it is just to stare in awe at the minimalist, chic and inspiring interior, or to try on their even more amazing clothes.

See what I got up to whilst exploring the store in my photos below....

Mint velvet is everything that I adore in a clothing range. Relaxed, yet glamorous wardrobe staples that consist of neutral palettes and are really well made too. Think effortless, yet polished with clean lines and a modern take on minimalist dressing. I couldn't leave the store without this amazing quality and bang on trend grey suede skirt, which you can see in all it's glory here.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and if you are in Manchester on the 17th, don't forget to pop into the store at 28 King Street to see what launch celebrations are taking place. Also, you can scroll through my favourite Mint Velvet picks below...

This post was shot on a Olympus ELP-7 Camera

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

WEDDING GUEST GET READY WITH ME

2015-09-11T12:30:00.000+01:00

I Am Wearing: Dress c/o Virgos Lounge | Warehouse Bracelets | Accessorize Earrings | Bag c/o House of Fraser Shop Similar Items Below...

Can we just stop to admire how beautiful the back detail and craftsmanship of this dress is...simply stunning! Today's post is a wedding get ready with me, to compliment the GRWM video I posted on my YouTube channel last night, which you can watch here. Or, keep scrolling for more pictures below and I have embedded my video at the end of this post, for those of you who want to see how I also achieved my hair and make-up look, plus how the outfit looks on in film!

Last weekend James and I ventured down to London for a friend's Sikh / English wedding, so rather than wearing my usual black (which is a big no, no) I brought out my adventurous side to wear this gorgeous Virgos Lounge Lindsey dress, from their High Summer collection. It is adorned with sparkle, sequins and a major glamour factor. Surprisingly, I actually really enjoyed wearing colour and sequins, feeling rather sexy yet modest in this dress, due to the sophisticated leg slit and the gorgeous drop back detailing. I have to say, it is rather refreshing to actually dress like a girl for once and let my inner glam side out!

I opted for white accessories with my look, carrying the embellishment element alongside my dress with my bag and also little gold and white details with my jewellery pieces and a gold make-up look (I am also loving this faux nose ring I picked up from eBay, which I also have in Silver too and cost a whopping £1.99 each, without leaving a permanent hole in my nose either). Below you can watch my 'Wedding Guest Get Ready With Me' video to see what products I used to achieve this look and I have also linked some of my favourite Virgos Lounge dresses for you too....thanks for watching!

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

IS ICE GREY THE NEW WHITE?

2015-09-09T12:30:00.000+01:00

I Am Wearing: Jumpsuit c/o Gorgeous Couture | Stan Smith Trainers | Barney's Suede Jacket | Round Raybans Shop Similar Items Below

As we have hit September we are also coming ever closer to Autumn, which I think officially starts on the 23rd or 24th of this month! So, with a new season around the corner we can expect a whole new bunch of fashion trends and clothing hues to be hitting the High Street, if they haven't already. Two new hot colours to hit Gorgeous Couture for this Autumn / Winter are khaki green (which you will see everywhere this AW15, think army cadette and military vibes) plus the cool and collected 'Ice Grey' Esme jumpsuit that I am wearing here (PREVIEW ALERT: Ice Grey is not yet available on the Gorgeous Couture site, but will be coming VERY soon, so keep your eyes out for this beautiful hue). Not only do I love the colour, but I also love the seventies vibe that comes with it too, which is again, on trend for the season.

To emphasise my love of wearing ice grey tones I paired my jumpsuit with my beloved grey suede jacket and grey/white Rayban sunglasses. I love Ice Grey tones because not only are they modern, clean and minimal but they also go with nearly every colour, due to them being so neutral. So, you can either think of them as an blank canvas for building bold colours upon (I think this works really well with my new baby pink hair), or you can think of them as the new 'all white' trend, opting for cool grey tones for Autumn / Winter to replace your Summer whites.

Either way, however you decide to wear Ice Grey, I have popped below some of my favourite iced grey tone items, which you can snap up for your Autumn / Winter wardrobe by scrolling through now...

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

5 TIPS ON TIME MANAGEMENT FOR BUSY BLOGGERS

2015-09-07T12:30:00.000+01:00

Watch c/o Daniel Wellington - get 15% off until September 30th with the code 'lurchhoundloves15'

Currently I am juggling a full-time job alongside committing to a steady schedule of three blog posts per week (at least) and one YouTube video a week, whilst running a household, planning for a wedding and looking after Brody our pet Lurcher. So, you could say that I am rather busy at the moment. But, in some strange kind of way I actually love being kept busy, as I am one of those people who can't sit still for five minutes doing nothing at the moment. But, I have to admit when I see a big list of deadlines and things I need to do I can panic, get the fear or stress out, so below are five time management tips I find helpful, which will hopefully help some of you busy bloggers out too (or anyone who has a hectic schedule).

1. Checklists Are Your Best Friend

When faced with either a number of deadlines to hit, products to review or outfits to shoot, being organised is key to remembering everything that you have to do and doing it on time. Being a 'To Do' list queen, I like to sit down and either brainstorm a list of ideas for my posts, clothes I will style together for outfits or just a list of everything that I need to do for the week - or the month, if I am being super organised. From this list I then put next to each a tick box for when it is complete and also any dates I would like the posts to go live for, or when I will be shooting each look. Once you can see what you have to do you can then begin to decide how best to spend your time on each task.

2. Plan Ahead

This one may sound obvious, but whether you are looking to create content that is seasonally on-time, or you want to publish your post on a new product the day of the launch, you will have to plan ahead when you will shoot and write your post, so that it can be published on time. Say, for example, you wanted to post a tutorial on Halloween make-up, you probably would want this live at least a week before Halloween (if not before) rather than on the 31st of October, or even worse the 1st of November. So, when planning posts try to think ahead and to consider any national holidays, events or dates, to make your content more relevant, more searchable and more readable.

3. Create Your Content in Advance

I know that some of you will probably prefer to write and publish your posts in the moment, but if you are juggling a blog with a busy schedule then using scheduling apps for your posts and social media really does help. At the moment I have my blog posts scheduled in advance for at least 1-2 weeks and I also am about three weeks ahead on my YouTube videos. This also helps with the fear, as if something important were to crop up, or I felt like taking a bit of time out for myself, I don't have to worry that I won't have any fresh content going online.

4. Schedule Your Social Media

The same can be said for social media. Recently I have become a fan of using Hootsuite again to schedule Twitter and Facebook posts for the week. I tend to do this after each time I schedule a blog post (usually at the weekends) and I will set up a few social mentions per post. You can now even do this for your Instagram with apps such as Latergram and RewardStyle who offer a post scheduling service. I find that this just helps you to kind of have some 'time off' during the week, if scheduling at the weekend, so that you don't have to worry during the week. You may even find that you get more social interactions, as you have more posts going out on your social media channels, as everyday work and other stresses can sometimes make you forget to tweet out your latest blog post!

*I am actually thinking of doing a post on my favourite scheduling apps, so if this is of interest, please let me know in the comments below*

5. Don't Forget to Make Time for Yourself

Last, but not least, is to make time for yourself! It is easy to get caught up in working mode from the office to blogging at home and doing chores around the house; forgetting to make time for yourself. This is something I myself struggle with and need to find more time to do. But, since following the steps above of organising how I will manage my workload, writing my posts in advance and using scheduling apps. I find I have more moments of spare time where I can relax, as I am doing tasks in bulk rather than a little bit every day.

And, if you are also looking for a new time-piece to help you keep on top of the busy hours in each day, you can get 15% of at Daniel Wellington until the 30th of September with the code 'lurchhoundloves15'. I have posted below a few of my favourite watches for your shopping pleasure!

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

FIVE SIMPLE MONEY SAVING TIPS

2015-09-04T12:30:00.000+01:00

As some of you may know, James and I are jetting off to Cyprus next year to tie the knot! That being said, weddings are not cheap, even when done abroad and you have the cost of your honeymoon and a thousand other things to consider when planning on saving for your wedding. I have found that a few simple tricks for cutting back on my spending has really started to make a difference to my wedding fund. In some places I didn't even realise how much I was spending, as I never really stopped to look at where my money was going!

So, as I have now mastered my saving plan for the wedding, I thought that I would put together a few of my money savings tips for anyone else who is also starting a wedding fund or looking to save their pennies for any other occasion (perhaps for buying a house, going on holiday or treating yourself to a designer bag or pair of shoes)...

(P.S If you prefer to watch than read,you can watch my money saving tips video on my YouTube channel here or embedded at the end of this post)

1. Get to Grips With Your Bank Balance

Before you can set out your saving goals, you have to firstly get to grips with your monthly incomings and outgoings. You can start by making a list of all the direct debits you have per month, perhaps this is a mortgage or rent, bills, car insurance or car hire and a phone bill. Total this up and then subtract this from your monthly incomings and you can see what money you are left with. From this amount, work out how much a month you would like to put aside and how much you will keep for spending on petrol, food, socialising and shopping.

To be honest, I rarely check my bank account, as I know I have enough funds in there for my monthly expenses. But, you may be shocked to see how much you have spent in the past month on clothes, eating our or alcohol. Try to identify where most of your disposable cash goes and if there are any places where you can cut back (credit cards included!). I would also recommend looking into your credit rating whilst you are sorting your finances, especially those of you who are saving for a house, as this would be a big factor in whether or not you can be lent money for a mortgage and also how much. The easiest way to do this would be to use the official Experian website and go from there.

2. Cut Back on Coffee Trips and Takeaways

One thing that James and I are guilty of is having a takeaway at least once a week. Whilst this is fast and easy, if we both have a lot on, it is also more expensive that buying the same food from the supermarket and cooking it (in general) and is usually more heavy on the calories too. Something else that can soon add up is buying coffee from a cafe, Starbucks, Costa or Nero etc. I would probably say on average you spend about £3+ per cup. So, if you do this every day of the working week you are spending £60 a month on coffee!

At Christmas we received our Nespresso coffee machine as a gift from my Dad and Step-Mum and not only does the coffee taste better, but it also saves us money as well! A sleeve of 10 pods (to make 10 coffees) costs on average £3.70 (so 37p per cup) plus the cost of your milk. But, as you can see, if being drank daily this saves a lot of money but you also don't lose out on quality. You obviously have the initial spend of the machine, but after that you are set for life and you can buy them from as little as £70 (which could be what you are spending on takeaway coffee per month!)

3. Sell Your Old Clothes for Cash

Have you ever heard of Depop? I am sure you have. So have you thought about clearing your closet and selling items that you hardly or no longer wear for cash? I usually have two or three clear outs of my wardrobe per year, where I will go through my clothes and think: have I worn this in the past three to six months? If the answer is no it goes in a 'reject' pile or if I no longer like an item it will go there as well.

From this pile (depending on the quality and how many times a garment has been worn) I will split into a 'charity' and a 'sale' pile. All of those items going in the 'sale' pile get listed on my Depop - you can find me and my current listings here - and I the use any funds made for buying new season staples for my wardrobe. Therefore updating my clothing collection without breaking into my savings or existing bank balance.

4. Have Friends Over or a Girl's Night In

I am not going to lie, James and I do like going out for good food and it is something that we usually do most weekends. But, as we are now saving more money we have said that we will just treat ourselves to one meal out per month / rather than four, which will definitely cut back on some spending for us. So, rather than twiddling our thumbs on a Saturday night, here are two great ways to entertain yourself and your friends on a budget.

1. Have friends over and cook for them. Whether this is family, the girls or a couples night. Get your favourite people over and make one of your best dishes or just have nibbles, wines and good conversation instead.

2. Have the girls over for a Pjyama party to watch your favourite films, eat popcorn and all that other naughty good stuff. Or even have a 'Netflix and Chill' with your boy (LMAO).

5. Do You Really Need to Buy That?

And finally, the ultimate question: Do you really need to buy that?

Every time that I swoon over a new pair of white trainers on ASOS, a pretty handbag or a new nude lipstick colour, I have to stop and ask myself this question. If you already have it, then you probably don't need another one (although you would probably like one). The same can be said for my diet really, I mean: do you need that other doughnut Charlie? I know it may be hard to resist temptation, but just stop and ask this question before any purchase (no matter how small or large) as they all add up. As girls, we can probably find a way to justify anything in our heads, as we ALWAYS need new shoes don't we. But, if you are trying hard to save, then this may be one of the ways to put away the most of your disposable income. Or, if you have great will power then perhaps try a 'spending ban' for one month of the year and see how you get on.

So, those are my top five simple money saving tips, which may help you to put away some cash for that special something you are after or looking forward to. If you like, you can also watch my money saving tips video here (or below) and if you like my channel you can subscribe here so my new videos pop up in your feed - plus I would be truly grateful! Also, let me know of any easy money savings tips you use too, in the comments section below.

(This post was shot on a Olympus ELP-7 Camera)

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

3 WAYS TO WEAR THE JAPANESE / EASTERN TREND

2015-09-02T12:30:00.000+01:00

I Am Wearing: Top & Jeans - ASOS | Adidas Superstars | Raybans. Shop The Post Below....

Two outfit posts in a go...I'm on a roll! Today's post includes a few tips on how to add the Japanese / Eastern trend to your wardrobe, accompanied by shots of myself in an outfit that emulates my love for the Karate Kid...just kidding, but it does look like I am wearing karategi, which I guess is the whole point of the trend, right?

Here are three easy ways to start wearing the trend...

1. Cropped & Wide Leg Trousers and Culottes

Opt for loose fitting, high waist trousers, especially those with a cropped or raw edge. You can go for culottes or pleated wide leg styles to re-create wearing Hakama: traditional Japanese trousers.

2. D-Ring Belts

Look for D-ring belts that cinch you in at the waist on either tops or trousers. Such as my belted D-ring top here or these gorgeous D-ring trousers here.

3. Origami Tailoring

If you like oriental patterns, then this will add a Japanese feel to any outfit. But, to take on a modern version of the eastern trend think of origami tailoring with pleats and wrap over detailing.

Below are my favourite modern picks for creating the Japanese / Eastern trend for you to scroll through...

ASOS is currently one of my favourite stores, especially for creating an Eastern Feels look, so whether you look in the sale or the new in section you will be bound to find something to create your own karate kid look. Below I have popped the items in this post, if you want to go and check them out in more detail and these jeans were on sale for just £12!

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

5 OFF-DUTY DRESSING TIPS

2015-08-31T12:30:00.000+01:00

I Am Wearing: Dress c/o Koja (similar here) | Alpha Industries Bomber Jacket (similar here) | Trainers c/o Daniel Footwear (similar here)

Bag c/o Scaramanaga | Ray-Bans c/o Sunglasses Shop | Earrings - Accessorize Shop Similar Items Below...

For me, the weekends (especially Sundays) and to be honest, most days of the week, mainly consist of 'off-duty' dressing. Think of it as a 'dress-down' kind of day, but still with a bit of edge and fashionista pizazz, i.e. style, sparkle or glamour, however you are feeling on that day.

I always like to dress for comfort, but I don't want to feel as though I have just stepped out of the house, straight from bed, still in my pajamas. So, in this post I am sharing with you a few of my own off-duty dressing style tips to achieve a relaxed, yet effortless look with a hint of fashion credability thrown in (so keep reading for my tips below).

1. Dress For Comfort

As mentioned above, you can't beat dressing for comfort and this really is the basic rule for 'off duty' dressing. Personally I like to go for knitted pieces, whether this is a dress, knitted joggers, a matching set, or your favourite baggy jumper. Ribbed knitwear is a huge trend right now, so anything like this that you can get your hands on is a good staring point for your 'off duty' outfit - although your favourite jeans or comfy trousers will work just as well.

2. Don't Go Crazy With Colours

Try to stick to a clean colour palette, or something that doesn't scream "I have put every single bright coloured item on from my wardrobe today". Try to stick to mainly black, white, greys, navys and neutral tones for your outfit base and then you can add in a statement pop of colour with one item or accessory. For example, here I am wearing a monochrome based outfit with a pop of complimentary green from my khaki bomber jacket.

P.S. Khaki and monochrome ALWAYS work well together.

3. Keep It Minimal

Minimal looks and clean lines with help you to put together the perfect off-duty look. If you take the basic model off-duty look of jeans and a white tee, you will see that they don't go crazy with any patterns or intricate pieces of clothing. Think wardrobe basics and try to compose a look around these, such as black trousers, a plain t-shirt or a leather jacket. The same can also be said for shoes - go for plain trainers, boots or your favourite classic leather flats.

EXTRA TIP: A girl can never have too many plain white t-shirts, they are the original wardrobe staple!

4. Play With Plain Layers

Rather than going crazy with too many accessories - I would suggest a delicate necklace or statement earring/ring here and there, if wearing any - I would play with layers instead. This could be wearing a jumper over a plain shirt, or you could be popping a plain turtleneck jumper under your favourite denim pinafore dress, or even tying a shirt around your waist with a simple tee and jeans combo. Add some interest and dimension to your outfit by adding layers in complimentary colours, or different textures.

5. If All Else Fails Wear Sunglasses

To me, nothing screams 'off-duty' more than a pair of basic / modern / cool sunglasses. If you think of celebrities getting snapped off the airplane with their fedora on, blanket cape and sunglasses, you have hit off-duty chic on the head. It also means that you don't have to worry about your eye-makeup either (as I would suggest to keep make-up minimal or nude too!)

So, there you have a few of my off-duty dressing style tips that I try to bide by when putting together my daily laid back looks. If you have some additional tips, I would love for you to let me know in the comments below and as always, thanks for reading! P.S You can re-create this look with the items below...

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

CAN YOU GET YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN WITHOUT BOTOX?

2015-08-30T10:00:00.000+01:00

Now i'm in my late twenties. One beauty topic that has become an important quest for myself over the past few years is: can you get younger looking skin without botox? Although this question is hard to answer, as surely using certain products will have a psychological effect. Where by you think that your skin is starting to look younger, because you are using a product that tells you it is. Does any one else think this?

One problem I do struggle with is dull looking skin and due to a busy work/blog/wedding planning schedule, I find that I often feel and look tired. I have recently been using two new products alongside a switch in diet and attempting to get more sleep. I have to say that I have found that my skin is starting to become a bit more radiant again and my nails also feel much stronger too - although cutting out caffeine and trying to eat less sugars may also be helping with this, as it has certainly done something for my mood swings and energy levels!

Origins Retexturising Mask

This mask from Origins contains Rose Clay and helps to purify, cleanse and exfoliate the skin to improve appearance and texture. Applying to dry / clean skin, leaving for 10 minutes and then adding water to exfoliate around your face and wash off. After using this mask my skin instantly feels softer and to me, looks more alive. I love using this once or twice a week for a boost to my skin in the mornings or during a hot and relaxing bath before bedtime.

LQ Liquid Health Supplements

This little elixir in a tiny bottle is a daily supplement dose for healthy hair, skin and nails. Previously I have tried many supplements, such as Perfectil, which haven't really agreed with my asthma and didn't really do anything to the strength of my hair, nails and skin. But, for once, I have to say I have been impressed with these mini bottles as my skin feels more hydrated, which I can tell by less dry patches and dry cuticles I always have around my nails. I'm not going to lie, they are not the most appealing tasting drinks in the world, but they seem to be working so I will keep going with them for now!

So, can you get younger looking skin without botox?

Now, for me, this question still remains unanswered. To be honest, products can help to make you feel better and I think that hydration is one main factor to looking younger. So, if you can feed your skin with goodness from beauty products, then I guess you are halfway there if you don't really have much of a current skincare or supplement routine. Unfortunately, I don't think any over the counter product would be as effective as a botox treatment. But hey, I would love to be proved wrong about that as needles aren't really my thing.

Have you got any tips for younger looking skin or products that do the trick for you? If so, please leave me a comment in the section below and thanks for reading!

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post have been gifted, but all opinions are my own. See my full disclaimer here.

HOW I GOT BABY PINK HAIR

2015-08-29T18:03:00.002+01:00

Happy Saturday! To celebrate the start of the Bank Holiday weekend, I went to get my roots re-bleached at the hairdressers this morning and when being shown the colour charts - as I was going to go slightly whiter than last time (you can read about how I got my hair platinum blonde here) - I saw a gorgeous mix of strawberry pink and ice white on the Schwarzkopf Blonde Me chart and I loved the strawberry ice-cream vibe and thought: "Why the hell not?!"

So, here is the end result - baby pink hair that goes to a light blonde at the ends, a little like an ombre with gorgeous light pink and icy tones, which I am super happy with! Being bleached blonde means endless colour opportunities and this colour will work perfectly with a peach outfit I have for a wedding next weekend. If anyone wanted to know where I got this colour done, it was at the amazing Partners Salon in Knutsford using the Schwarzkopf Blonde Me system, which is a gentle gel bleach that is less damaging on your hair: BONUS!

Anyhow, as I have some posts and videos scheduled in the next coming weeks I just wanted to note there may be some switches in hair colour from my old platinum to this pink, so sorry for the inconsistency #badblogger. Thanks for reading and I hope you all have a fabulous Bank Holiday weekend!

AUGUST FAVOURITES! FASHION, BEAUTY, FOOD & MUSIC

2015-08-28T12:30:00.000+01:00

Shop My August Favourites Below...

How is it the end of the month already, I do not know? The time is flying by so fast we will soon be back to dark Autumn evenings before we know it! So, it is time for August favourites and in today's video I am sharing with you the fashion, beauty, food, music and 'other' items that I have been loving for the past month.

All items links can be found in the description box on my video here and if you want to subscribe to my channel, I would be truly grateful and my new videos will pop up in your feed as they are posted. Thank you for watching and here is to a fabulous September for us all!

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

TREND ALERT: RAY-BAN ROUND SUNGLASSES

2015-08-27T12:00:00.000+01:00

Ray-Ban Round Sunglasses c/o Sunglasses Shop. Shop My Favourite Round Ray-Bans Below...

Say hello to my beautiful camouflage round Ray-Ban sunglasses from Sunglasses Shop. There is just something so effortlessly cool about these cylinder specs. I am in awe of the funky grey and white camouflage adorned lenses that are gracing my face in this post. Round sunglasses are a big trend in the eye-wear world right now, so if you are going to invest in a new pair I would say to go for a round lensed pair and especially Ray-Bans!

Ray-Ban have a number of different round styles in their range, which you can shop on Sunglasses Shop here. I will also be posting this full outfit on Monday at 12pm (UK Time), so be sure to check back to see how I styled these gorgeous glasses. Oh, and I have posted my favourite round sunglasses for you to browse below...Happy Shopping!

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

SEO BLOGGING MISTAKES 101

2015-08-25T07:00:00.000+01:00

Blogging and SEO go hand in hand. In fact, SEO is pretty vital to any type of online activity, so below are five SEO mistakes that you could be making, without even realising it!

1. NOT WRITING ENOUGH CONTENT

Although picture heavy posts are visually appealing, with little text on a given page these types of posts may be harming your ranking ability. Especially if all of your posts contain little or no text. This isn't to say that you should stop doing these posts, but if you do a few of these I would suggest making up for them with some posts that contain around 500 words content. If not more. And I would always try to have some text on your page. Google values content and as well as making your site a great read for viewers, it could also help to increase your page quality in Google's eyes.

2. NOT USING HEADER TAGS / SUBHEADINGS

Another mistake you could be making is not using subheadings and header tags effectively throughout your post. For example, rather than bolding a sub-heading, these should be given a H2 or H3 tag. Subheadings make your text easier to digest and Google spiders will crawl your title followed by H2, H3, H4 tags when indexing your blog post, making these important words on your page.

Unsure of what a H2, H3, H4 tag is? Read my 'SEO Tips For Beginners' post here

3. NOT LABELLING IMAGES WITH AN 'ALT' TAG

When adding images to your blog, if you do not label these correctly with an Alt tag, then Google will not be able to tell what your image is depicting. This is because search engine spiders cannot see what is on your page and will just in fact crawl the html and coding of your website. So, in order for you to have the best chance of your images showing up in search results for relevant keywords, I would suggest following these two easy steps below:

Save your image file using a relevant keyword phrase, to describe what it is a photo of.

After uploading your file change the alt text and title text to the same keyword phrase

Tip: You can add this information in blogger by clicking on an image in post draft, or by adding the following code to the photo's HTML - <img alt="(insert keyword phrase)" src="(Image URL.jpg)" title="(insert keyword phrase)" />

4. NOT LINKING INTERNALLY

When writing a new blog post, if you have written on this topic before, you should be linking to it. For example:

I previously wrote an SEO post on link building tips for bloggers.

As you can see, I have linked to that previous blog post so that readers can easily find more information on the topic and also that Google can see this post is relevant and internal linking also helps for search spiders to navigate around your site. If you had no link out to another page on your blog, their search would stop on this post, when you want them to be able to crawl as many pages as possible.

Don't just link for the sake of it though, make sure internal linking is relevant and that you also make sure that in the html of the link you add target="blank", so that a new page opens and your reader is not taken away from the current post they are reading before they have finished.

5. NOT USING KEYWORDS

We all know that keyword stuffing is bad, plus one of the worst things you could be doing is having hidden text on your page - i.e. if you website is white and you have keywords in white text in the header or sidebar, this could cause you some serious agg.

Watch Matt Cutt's video on keyword stuffing and hidden text.

You obviously want to include your keyword/s in a post, because if you are wearing a denim skirt, you are obviously going to talk about it aren't you. Try to use various keyword phrases or synonyms throughout your post and in regards to keyword stuffing, just don't let every other word be 'denim skirt', as you want your content to flow and read naturally.

So those are five SEO mistakes that you could currently be making, without even knowing it!

If you have any questions on this post, please comment below and if you have found this post helpful, please do share this on your Twitter feed to give other bloggers a hand or find me @CharlotteLewis_ for more tweets!

Read my last SEO post: Is Your Blog Mobile Friendly?

SONOS PLAY:1 THE FASHIONISTA WIRELESS SPEAKER

2015-08-23T09:30:00.000+01:00

Sonos Play:1 Limited Edition c/o Sonos .... Shop The Post Below

The new limited edition Play:1 from Sonos is minimalism personified in a high tech wireless speaker, and boy oh boy does this nifty gadget pack a punch. For all music lovers out there, who also like minimal interiors and clean lines, this fashionista wireless speaker is just what you need to complete your home set up.

Sleek, Chic and Effortlessly Designed

Available in black or white, the Sonos Play:1 is an understated and necessary gadget that will fit beautifully into any interior setting or room around your home. I chose to set up my white Sonos Play:1 in my new office room (which you can see here), as it tones in perfectly with the grey and white colour palette and sits comfortably on the bottom shelf of my new ladder desk.

How To Get Started With Your Sonos Speaker

Setting yourself up with the Sonos Play:1 is as easy as A, B, C. After downloading the Sonos app for your iPhone/Smartphone or tablet, you can follow the simple on screen instructions to set your new wireless speaker up in the room of your choice. After setting up your speaker and registering you can then choose how you would like to play your music. I went for a simple set up of connecting my Spotify account.

For a little speaker I was blown away by the sound quality and volume. Clear, crisp with a killer bass, I haven't even had to put the volume up to half way on my app so far and it is super loud, but with amazing quality too! There is something so much more motivating about having good quality music playing whilst I am either working out or blogging away and looking for inspiration. And another great thing is that I can actually control the speaker from anywhere in the house, with it being wireless and all that. How amazing right?

Have You Tried A Sonos Speaker?

If so, I would love to know what you thought and if you would recommend any more of their products? I can definitely see James and I having more dotted around the home and I think that their Play:3 or Play:5 wireless speaker would sit nicely on our new sideboard in the living area.

If you would like to test out the Sonos Play:1, or any other items in this post you can click on the images below to shop or for more information...

(This post was shot on a Olympus ELP-7 Camera)

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

HUGE FASHION HAUL! (WARDROBE UPDATE FOR AUTUMN / WINTER)

2015-08-20T19:31:00.000+01:00

See What I Have Been Buying For My Autumn / Winter Wardrobe Below...

Hi Guys, today's new video is a HUGE clothing haul! I have recently been doing a little bit of shopping - including finding some sale bargains from Zara and Topshop - so I thought I would share with you what I have been adding to my wardrobe to transition from Summer to Autumn. Watch my video below to see what I have bought and you can find links to all items on my YouTube channel here in the description box.

If you enjoyed watching this video, please subscribe to my channel here so that my weekly videos pop up in your feed. Thanks for watching!

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

MY STYLE EVOLUTION STORY

2015-08-19T10:30:00.000+01:00

I AM WEARING: Dress, Jacket & Trainers c/o Marks and Spencer | Rings c/o Jane Koenig ... Shop this look below

Over the past couple of years, blogging has allowed me to feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin. Looking back, I must admit that when I started Lurchhoundloves I would try out some of the latest trends (even if I didn't feel comfortable wearing them), as I felt it was my duty as a fashion blogger to do so. I could not have been more wrong!

I set up my blog to share my love of affordable fashion online, but it should also be a place that allows my individual style to shine: this is something that I have taken on board over time and has helped my style to evolve (alongside my confidence) into what it is today. I will never be one of those effortless girls who can walk around in heels all day. I am most comfortable wearing trainers or flats and adopting a 'minimal' vibe to my outfits, which is what you will see today when reading my blog.

I guess what I am trying to say is that your style and tastes will change over time and hey, there is nothing wrong with trying out something new. But, don't feel like you have to dress a certain way because you should do. Dress for yourself, wear what you feel comfortable in and find a way to incorporate the latest trends into your wardrobe that still lets your individual style shine.

A big thank you to Marks and Spencer for asking me to share my style evolution story. I would love to know about your own style transformations in the comments below. And if you love this outfit you can shop it below (p.s. these trainers are a great Stan Smith dupe for only £25!)

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post were gifted but all opinions are my own. See my full disclaimer here.

WAYS TO STYLE TOPMAN JEANS (FOR HIM AND HER!)

2015-08-17T19:00:00.000+01:00

Get This Look...

Today is something a little bit different for Lurchoundloves as James is joining me for a 'style off' post, thanks to Topman. We were both challenged to pick a pair of jeans from the Topman denim jeans range and to showcase how we would both wear our styles asking you lovely bunch to decide who style it better: no pressure!

See how we styled our denim picks below and don't forget to let us know in the comments 'who styled it better?'

Going for two completely different looks: James adopting a casual sporty look and myself going for a rock chick kind of vibe. Both outfits reflect parts of our personal style and also how versatile skinny jeans can be for rocking completely different looks.

How To Wear Topman Jeans For Men

For a casual sporty look like James, you can pair your slim fit or skinny Topman jeans with a longline tee (as James likes to do, you can go for a size smaller to achieve a more fitted look. His favourite brand is SikSilk, as he is wearing here) paired with your favourite trainers. James shares a love of white trainers with myself, so I absolutely adore the new Nike Air Max pair that he is wearing here and they look so comfy too!

How To Wear Topman Jeans For Women

As I am wearing a male pair of jeans, I thought I would go for a more rockier vibe than usual, in an a 'girl meets boy' look inspired by Pete Doherty. At the moment I am loving minimal colours and fedoras, so I have styled my mega ripped skinny Topman jeans with a grey denim shirt from Mint Velvet, for a denim on denim look. And I have paired this with some comfy leather and suede women's boots from Clarks, which have a slight nod to the 60's.

So there you have it, that is how James and I have styled our Topman Jeans. Now the question is: who styled them better?

BTW, if you like either of the outfits in this post I have linked some similar items below so you can get the look....

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Some items in this post were gifted, but all views are our own. See my full disclaimer here.

NEW IN: 'SPA OF THE WORLD' BY THE BODY SHOP

2015-08-16T09:00:00.000+01:00

Spa Of The World by The Body Shop

Wow, well what can I say?! The Body Shop have released some beautifully indulgent luxury skincare and bath / showertime products that are sure to completely blow you away. I have always been a fan of The Body Shop products, especially anything that is vanilla or musk infused. But, I never expected to be impressed by their new 'Spa Of The World' range as I have been. Luxurious, butter soft and sensual smelling home spa products that don't have a price tag too hefty. You are sure to be wowed by this exciting collection.

I was kindly sent some products by The Body Shop to try and the below three are my firm favourites...

Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil

Priced at just £10 this body and hair oil is infused with a scent of coconut (which I love) and can be used as a bath oil, a pre-wash treatment on hair, for massage or use on the skin. I have been enjoying applying a light layer to my face in the evenings before bed or before a bath, applying to my body to help preserve my tan from soaking off! Next I am excited to try this on my hair before washing, as I tend to sleep with an oil in the night before to repair my bleached hair.

Dead Sea Salt Scrub

I love nothing more than applying exfoliator when I am preparing to apply a new tan and also to work on dry areas, such as my knees and elbows. This dead sea salt scrub cleanses and revitalises your skin. I love how this product is an efficient exfoliator but does not feel harsh on your skin. I have to say, it doesn't really feel like you are exfoliating at all, more that you are invigorating your skin and taking in the lovely scent in the process.

Japanese Camellia Cream

And last but not least, is this beautiful cream feels soft, thick and a bit like a velvety whipped Greek yoghurt to touch and smells divine. Infused with Camellia seed oil from China, this body cream is by far my favourite product and I hope that they release a fragrance of this amazing product soon!

Have you tried The Body Shop Shop 'Spa Of The World' range yet? If so, please let me know which has been your favourite product so far in the comments below.

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Items in this post are PR Samples, but all views are my own. For my full disclaimer, see here.

HOW TO CREATE AN INSPIRING OFFICE SPACE FOR UNDER £150

2015-08-13T17:50:00.002+01:00

Shop My New Blogging Office Ornaments Below...

Today's photo heavy interior post (is something I am super excited about) gives you a look around my new office space, which I have set up in our spare room after finally having a clear out of boxes, clothes and items we have hoarded in there since moving in over three years ago now: better late than never hey.

Welcome to my blogging office on a budget!

Working on a budget, my new and inspiring office space cost me under £150 and the idea all began after searching for 'ladder desks' on Pinterest. I found the perfect ladder desk online for £50 in the sale and then I looked to add minimal and quirky homeware ornaments, to make a creative space where I can bounce ideas around for my blog and get into 'the zone' for filming and brainstorming posts. New items I have added to my room make up a collective homeware haul and are from Argos, Joy, George Home, Tesco and Dunem Mill. All items are pocket friendly and accessible, allowing you to create or update your office space on a budget.

Who Said That A New Office Space Had To Be Expensive?

Keep reading this post to see what homeware items I have been picking up for my new blogging office and where I got these from. I have also posted a homeware decor haul on my YouTube Channel, which you can watch here or embedded at the end of the post.

If you like my new office set up, please let me know which item has been your favourite in the comments section below and feel free to pin and tweet away! Below are the new items in my room and where you can get them from...

Office Ornaments On a Budget

Ladder Desk from Argos (sold out): similar here
Flamingo Pina Colada Candle c/o Joy: here
Letter A from George Home at ASDA: here
Silver Lantern from George Home at ASDA: here
Alphabetic Print & Frame from Dunelm Mill: similar here
Glass (as pen holder) from Tesco: similar here
My F***ing Mug c/o Joy: here
Dreamcatcher c/o Joy: here
Sand Timer from George Home at ASDA: here
Sheepskin Rug from Argos: here

And don't forget to click play on my home haul video & more on these items below. Thanks for watching!

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*Some items in this post have been gifted, but all views are my own. See my disclaimer in full here.

STYLE INSPIRATION: ALEX'S CLOSET

2015-08-12T13:00:00.000+01:00

Happy Hump Day Guys! For today's post I thought I would do something a little different and share with you my current favourite blog to read for style inspiration. I am thinking of making this a more regular occurrence (perhaps once a month), so if you enjoy these types of posts then do let me know in the comments section below.

My current style crush is Alex from Alex's Closet. Apart from being a total babe I love her ability to make any look killer with a pair of trainers (as if you didn't know, I am definitely a trainers and flats kind of gal). Below are three of my favourite recent looks from her blog and for more daily inspiration you can check her Instagram feed here.

'All Suede' - See full bog post here

'Bomber Life' - See Full Post Here

'All Black Love' - See the blog post in full here

Never Miss A Blog Post By Following Me On Bloglovin Here

*All images are taken from Alex's Closet