Audacious...

Workwear can be pretty tricky but I'm a great believer in wearing classic pieces in fun colours to brighten up the office. This teal blazer is a firm favourite of mine and is one of the pieces I reach for when I need an extra burst of confidence. I had to do a mini presentation at work and I really loved this outfit, I felt pulled together but still comfy, important if you have to speak in front of people! I'm not sure why the photos came out so bright but no end of fiddling with the settings helped so I'm afraid you will have to just be dazzled by how bright this shirt is! ;)

Jacket: Miss Selfridge via Matilda, top: Mango, trousers: H&M, shoes: Marks & Spencer, necklace: Accessorize (gift)
Nars Audacious lipstick in Grace is the perfect pink shade for pale skin like mine and even though it looks pretty dark pink here, it is really punchy in real life. My necklace was a birthday gift from my friend Naomi and it is so pretty, I love it when you get a gift that matches your style so perfectly!


 I can only wear jeans on Fridays at my current job so I have to go for the next best thing and opt for comfy trousers instead. These H&M chinos are super flattering and so soft. They're so good that I went back to buy them in brown too! For some reason they only have two colours on the website but the Cheltenham store had 5 or 6 different colours so it is worth keeping an eye out if you are near a shop. I always recommend buying multiple colours/prints of things if they are available (and you are able!) as you know that they are guaranteed to work with the rest of your wardrobe. These shoes always get a good reception when I wear them and is it any wonder? They are awesome!


Do you buy in multiples?

Tropical mango and coconut cake...

There are certain recipes that you know will never let you down and this Victoria sponge recipe from Marguerite Patten is my go-to for delicious light and fluffy cake. I have been trying to use up things from the freezer recently and had the bright idea of using the batch of frozen mango that I had in a cake. I really love coconut and mango together but was trying to work out how to incorporate the flavours into a cake without it going too soggy. The house smelt amazing as this was cooking and I was so impatient to try it that I burnt my mouth in the process, haha! Overall I was pretty pleased with how this turned out but would probably use less mango next time as the mixture was quite wet. It could have probably had another sachet of creamed coconut too, I was erring on the side of caution as Mark's not really a fan but actually even he said it could take a little more of it. It wasn't bad for an experiment though, and I think with a bit of tweaking, this could make its way into my favourites...

Tropical mango and coconut sponge cake, baking,experimenting with cake recipes

Leopard print Laura Ashley...

When you say Laura Ashley, leopard print is not the first thing to spring to mind but this slinky shirt dress is one of the more unusual pieces in my wardrobe. I have had it for a couple of years now and even managed to take photos back in April 2014 but never posted them as I didn't like how they came out. I always tend to style it in quite a simple way, when you have a dress that is patterned, textured and almost satin-y, it doesn't need any extra embellishment! It was so windy when we took these photos that I almost blew away and revealed more than a glimpse of thigh in the process... ooer!

Dress: Laura Ashley, belt: Miss Selfridge, shoes: c/o George at ASDA, belt:Tesco
I love Max Factor make-up and as their liquid eyeliner is the only only one I have ever been able to get on with, I was keen to try their newest offering and I have to say, the Masterpiece liquid eyeliner did not disappoint! It is easy to use (a must for novices like me) and lasts all day without needing to reapply it, no one has time for that! I have been loving the Max Factor Creme Puff blush too, it gives such a glowy wash of colour. I have the 'Seductive Pink' shade but I am definitely going to buy 'Alluring Rose' too! I have been growing my hair slightly longer and I love being able to do a bit more with it. I just curled it slightly with my straighteners here and I couldn't believe how well it lasted! 

A better look at that amazing print
I have been wearing these wedges all the time recently, they are so comfy and are great for putting a spring in your step. I haven't really blogged about my beautiful Olivia Burton watch but it has been a constant accessory since Mark gave it to me for my birthday and I really really love it, it is just so pretty!


Are you a Laura Ashley fan?

Burgundy velvet...

Christmas can be quite strange. It's probably when you spend the longest on the sofa but your clothes tend to be pretty fancy and unsuited for slouching - in my house at least! I picked up this velvet shift dress during Gap's Black Friday sale and I couldn't be more chuffed with it. The simple shape makes it easy to wear and the burgundy colour is pretty festive, even though I will definitely be wearing it all year round. I couldn't believe how pale it made me look though, I am almost blending into the wall behind me!

Dress: Gap, tights: Tesco, shoes: Marks & Spencer
I layered Topshop's Get Me Bodied Christmas Lip Bullet and Revlon's lipstain in Crush to get the perfect berry shade and although it's a little bit darker than I would normally go for, I quite liked it. It is weird, I am happy as Larry in bright lipsticks but nude or dark ones give me the heebie-jeebies!


I have long loved nude fishnets for adding a bit of texture to an outfit (I even wore them to my graduation!) and when I saw that Accessorize was selling them, it's safe to say that I stockpiled a few pairs! They are way more interesting than plain nude tights and weirdly make it easier to walk if you are wearing heels, I guess it's easier for your feet to grip inside your shoes?! 


Any tips for wearing dark lippie?

Spending new year in St Ives...

I have just spent the last week staying with friends at a darling little cottage in St Ives; beach walks, board games and plenty of food and drink with great company was the best way to finish 2015 and start 2016. The photos speak for themselves about how beautiful a place Cornwall is and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking for a beachy escape in the UK. It really is great, even in the rain!




















Although I wish I had had a longer break (doesn't everyone?!) I am excited to see what 2016 brings as I have lots of fun things planned!

What are your plans for 2016?