Treasure chest

I am a bit of a storage geek, always looking for new ways to hide old rubbish and generally keep my home as clear from clutter as possible. I have been lusting after this item for ages but couldn't justify spending out on it while we were doing up the house, but now things are almost there I couldn't hold out any longer: Meet the ottoman!

This one is from Next link and comes in this silver shade and mink.

I love this luxe old school glamour style and hope it will last me years! I've seen this kind of thing in

Check it out

Check it out

• Fashion •

I haven't posted over the summer; holidays, work and life has taken over but that does mean lots of ideas for posts! I have the Next blogger event coming up (anyone else?), so need to get back into the swing of things so I don't feel like a fraud at the event :)

Check it out by styleandsubstanceuk featuring a black jacket

So straight to the point, autumn is finally here, my favourite season, back into tights, jackets, layers, 

so many more fashion options to choose from. I'm not sorry to say goodbye to the summer, so

By George

• Fashion •

As I mentioned last post I did some online shopping, now call me old fashioned but its never quite the same as picking something up, trying it on and then paying for it at a cash register, you just don't get the same thrill! But needs must and as I had been too busy to get to the shops this was the chosen method. I stumbled on the George website through an item recommended in Grazia (love this magazine! I'm a subscriber and look forward to that Tuesday delivery!)




The item was a neon orange skirt for £12, no sooner had I read about it on the train, I had tapped it up

Mint magic, H&M sales!

• Fashion •

Another digital detox for me, its been a crazy few weeks of work (can't complain) but I'm back in the swing of things now and plenty of blog inspiration gained. Finally cleared out my wardrobe, the bi annual seasonal change over and de-clutter, feel so much better now! I'll be sharing some of more storage/spring-clean tips soon.

But more importantly, we had a glimpse of summer and I finally was able to get shopping, online at least, and took advantage of last weeks H&M flash sale.

One dress, two ways (at least!)

One thing I picked up was a mint fit and flare dress as above. Strictly speaking its not the exact dress but very similar (no pleats). I can't find it online anymore as it's sold out, but it was only £12 and they did it in bright pink. Anyhow, this is from forevernew.com and there is a similar lace one in Topshop. What I am getting at though is the lovely colour and shape. I have styled it here for a formal occasion with nude accessories and then for a more casual event with flats.
I love that handbag, think it has a slight tribal feel. I hope to get a good few wears this summer!

H&M bargain bikini

I also couldn't resist this bikini, a steal at £12. I know my H&M size (they can be a little snug!) so its fits perfectly. I would style with a simple black or white beach dress/playsuit. Now all I need to do is book that holiday...

J'adore Polyvore

• Fashion

Now I probably am way behind the times here, but I have just discovered Polyvore. I think this could become a bit of an addiction! I had heard of it before (I don't live under a rock!) but as I am a designer and use Photoshop to put together graphics for this blog I didn't really see the point, thinking it was for people that didn't have Photoshop, but I really see the point now!

This is my first dalliance with Polyvore:

Its really easy to use and much quicker to create looks than Photoshop as you don't have to edit the images and locate them from the relevant sites, all the different brands are on hand to just drag and drop

A bit on the side

• Interiors

Since I've started my blog I have neglected to feature one of my real passions – interior design. I moved into my home two years ago this summer and have been gradually decorating and renovating since then. I thought I'd share a favourite piece of mine that is a great way to refresh your décor add some personal touches to your home with little cost.

The console table

When I decorated the main living room it felt quite bare, so needed filling with pieces that added both a practical and stylish element. I bought this console table (I love this name, sounds so formal!) from

Taking the Michael

• Fashion

This weekend we took a small road trip from the east of the country where I live, to the west, going for drinks with family near Oxford. It had been a good week for several reasons, one; I had a three day weekend, two; I was featured as Editors Choice TWICE on WIWT and three; I was making a bag purchase and was a little excited about it :)

The Chosen One

THE ONE
I had seen the Michael Kors Hamilton a while back (I featured it back in January here) and knew it was The One. Classic looking, two different carry options, separate sections inside, perfect! I researched

Bounce, Bounce!

• Nightlife

When flying back from my ski holiday a few weeks back I spotted a logo I designed in the EasyJet in-flight magazine that another passenger was reading. Intrigued, I delved into my copy (I never read these, I always have a supply of Grazia/Glamour/Instyle with me!). Incidentally the logo was for an awards event I did the branding for and on a clients advert showcasing their win. I was quite chuffed that my design was in another magazine, weird to see something you made out there! So I flicked though the rest of the magazine anyway and that is where I read about Bounce in a London nightlife section. 

THE VENUE

Bounce, a venue that claims to be the home of Ping Pong, is located near Chancery Lane and is

Caught in the MIDI

• Fashion

After my career focussed post here, it was time to return to what I love best, shopping! I had given the shops a bit of a wide berth (for all of 2 weeks, felt like an eternity!) when my first freelance pay seemed to come though all at once, so it was off to shop for a girls night out. I had an outfit planned already but it just wasn't right, I wanted something new, fresh and different.
I am usually a girl to get my legs out for evening (top half covered demurely of course, no rule breaking here!) and as I have short legs, above the knee length makes my legs appear longer, but its a look I have done to death.

So what can the anti to this be? The midi dress of course. My younger sister wore one from Boohoo

Get paid to blog (and lots more!)

Life/career

I've been off the radar for a while, having a bit of a digital detox!
Lots has been going on, I went on my annual ski trip, had my birthday (Valentine's day, double bubble for me) and being away from my laptop was a nice break, needed to clear my head and focus on things like my new freelance career and trying to build up my portfolio.

The Power of the Hour

So I thought I'd share something that has helped me earn money and build up a client base without moving from my chair! Having been reading other blogs I know there is a lot of talent out there, so how

Something OLD and something NEW!

• Fashion

As promised, my next blog instalment is on trans-seasonal dressing, as at this time of year we are desperate to dive into the new spring clothes filtering into the shops but also still trying to get milage out of those christmas gift garments (see Ski Sunday) and January sales splurges! (see Cheap & Chic).

As I am currently planning and packing my ski wardrobe, I am still in winter-mode (it's strangely my favourite time of year). Being the shopper I am, however, I couldn't resist a few new purchases that I am hoping I can wear with said winter wardrobe and yet still take through to spring (see spring-spiration), meaning lots of fashion milage! I take this next inspiration from an outfit idea I spotted a while back on net-a-porter:

Luxe designer style

I have said how much I love their magazine styling/features and this next ensemble really struck a cord with me. However, not able to currently pay the designer price tag, I made it my mission to source similar and pass on my finds to you, so you get style and savings! And this is what I came up with:

Doing it the hughstreet way!

The shirt is a new purchase of mine and an absolute steal, the picture doesn't do it justice. The sleeves can be worn down too, again giving it that extra versatility. The gillet is from Lipsy but I bought a similar one from H&M a few years ago and have worn it to death and can give it a fresh look with these pieces. I have styled it with slightly flared jeans here, as worn by the lovely Olivia Palermo in the designer image, though they aren't everyone's cup of tea. They are really flattering though and Kate Moss is a fan! I think it evokes a 70s vibe and gives you a break from skinnies.

However if you want to wear your skinny jeans, these Topshop boots (£90) will look fab with them and are so comfy (I can vouch for that!). I have chosen a darker denim as I don't get on with lighter shades, but that's just me and my short legs! A fab pair of high platform shoes would look great with these jeans but barely seen, wearing the jeans super long. I would probably do a designer bag and sunnies with this in reality, it makes the whole thing look more luxe, but as this is a high street feature I chose a bag and sunnies I think look more expensive than they are and the bag (£70) is great quality.

I love this look, I think I may wear it today!

Spring-spiration!

• Fashion

January is still in deep, dark winter but the glimpse of sunshine we had this weekend is turning thoughts to spring and the new season, thinking about what key purchases to buy and of course, how I can update items I already have.

One of next season's key trends is the 60s and monochrome, as seen at Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton. These go hand in hand for me when I think of these two trends and are perfect to try now, whilst we wait for the frost to fully thaw.

Look 1: a key item to buy, the monochrome dress

This outfit is inspired by the spring/summer Louis Vuitton catwalk but can be achieved on the highstreet at Tophop for just £38! Add a staple black court lurking in every stylish girl's wardrobe, a cute headband with bow (I have one from a few season's back, or you could even use ribbon) and a 60's clutch, this one adds just the right pop of colour. I'm sure this look will be all over the shops and the combination is endless when using separates.

Look 2: an update with stripes inspired by spring/summer H&M

Stripes are also look great in black an white and as most of us own some sort of stripey garment, you can get the monochrome trend right now without spending a penny! I have a H&M stripey dress in my wardrobe and to make it more weather appropriate (and also with a nod to the 60s) I found this bargain coat from H&M online (see cheap and chic H&M sales! for how much I love these sales!) which looks like it's from this era. Add studded slipper flats (everywhere now) and a black tote and, with tights, it's very trans-seasonal. I have lusted after the MK Michael Kors Hamilton for a while now, such a great bag and comes in a selection of colours. The dress will still look great when the weather warms with bare legs and sans coat.

Hopefully we can all get a taste of spring now, who can wait for the Great British weather?!

What trends will you be trying?

Coming up:

Inbetweener outfits

Valentine's Day dilemas

Interior design ideas

Ski Sunday... and Monday... and Tuesday...

Fashion • Travel

I am getting excited about my ski trip next weekend to Andorra, so lots more snow for me! I have been skiing for about ten years now and admittedly I didn't like it much the first time, too much like school, having to be in lessons at 9am, being freezing most of the day taking turns up and down the nursery slope, while my other half went whizzing all over the mountain with his pals enjoying the whole experience. If I had my way I would make it a compulsory school subject to learn how to ski, then when you went in your adult life you would all be wonderfully brilliant from the off! No embarrassing skiing into trees and hitting your boyfriend with your ski poles (yes really).

But now I am a fully fledged skier, I love it (well I love the picturesque chalets, vin chaud and aprés ski!) And the skiing isn't bad either!

Anyway, enough about the sport, what the really important thing is; the wardrobe. I did a quick search online for some inspirational aprés ski outfits but didn't come up with all that much. I'm probably a little behind the magazines that did winter ski spreads in back September! Who wants to think about Snow then? We were all enjoying the last rays of summer!

So this is my take on it, from first hand experience! First up designer v. high street, not bad look-a-likes eh?

I get a lot of ideas from designer websites (net-a-porter.com is great for online fashion features) but alas my freelance wage can't justify whole outfits from here, so I try to find similar ideas on the high street.

This left ensemble is from A/W 12/13 on net-a-porter and I'm not suggesting that what I've found will in any way be as luxurious, but you get the idea. Plus those jeans from new look are currently down to £7! The River Island gloves are only £30, however those Burberry ones are gorgeous, I can but dream... Biker boots are a stylish, yet practical solution.

It's always so hot when you get into a restaurant or bar at a ski resort, roaring fires and heating right up! So this look may be best suited to drinks straight after skiing, or a casual hotel dinner, rather than a busy bar/nightclub. Though it's always a casual affair....

Next are 4 days of outfit options that can be mixed n matched, creating multiple outfits! (perfect for low luggage allowance).

There are some lighter layers for 'snug' bars and a glam jumper or two for a nicer restaurant evening and the shirt can be layered up with the jumpers for those that feel the chill. The shorts tweed material balances out the 'shortness' and can be dressed up or down. All the items below are currently available (I have them, this is basically my suitcase laid out!) and some are on sale now, more to put towards your spring wardrobe. Caterpillar are a personal favourite of mine, they last forever and are so comfy. Accessorise with a woolly headband or cute beanie and you're good to go!

Cheap AND chic - H&M sales!

Fashion

"All style and no substance" is often associated with something/someone frivolous, shallow, aesthetically pleasing but of no real use. But this is not always the case. I believe that something can be pleasing to the eye and be of substance too, or not a complete waste of time and money!

I admit my first foray into the blogging world was somewhat self-indulgent, dull and a bit pointless to the reader which is not what I want my blog to achieve. I will remedy this now and make the blog encompass its title in order to be published!

I aim to share my ideas, likes and loves that will hopefully be of use to the reader.

So here goes. I kick off with one of my favourite things: H&M. I love H&M for its quick fix fashion and fast turnover of stock (though not is unusual sizing!)

Below is a whole outfit I picked up for just £37 by working the online sales to my advantage.

The top shown is actually Topshop but I have and an almost identical one from H&M (non-sale).

The pink shoes were from a previous H&M haul (got them in blue too!) and as the slim sole stiletto is back in a big way, thought it was a cheap way to bring my look up to date.

Patterned trousers are everywhere for spring again and this is a cheap way to trial the trend to see if its worth investing in.

I am on the email list, as I assume a lot of you are, so always get the heads up on pop-up sales with heavy discounts. Sure, you get the end of season-wouldn't be seen dead in stuff but there are some great gems that you can take to the next season and mix with items for such small prices!

Some sale stock is even reduced for limited time only, then the price hiked back up the next day, I love it when that happens and I've bagged a bargain!

Perfect Friday night drinks outfit! What do you think?

It's snow Joke

Life

Ok, so its not the most original start but I'm practicing my headline puns!
After waiting for what seemed like an age, while the rest of the county was engulfed in white and with Facebook giving us a minute by minute account, the east coast of Essex finally got it's dumping of snow last night!

Having only had my Springer Spaniel since April, it seemed the perfect idea to take him to the park so he could revel in it and play with the other dogs.

But what to wear for this occasion? I had been thinking about it a lot in preparation for when the time eventually came but having been promised snow then thinking it wasn't to be, I was caught unawares and realised all my hardcore snow gear was packed away in a hard to reach suitcase ready for my impending ski trip!

I had to settle on a faux fur hat (new, H&M sale) and strangely in-keeping with the dog theme it was Dalmatian-like in it's pattern but not in a Cruella way! I 'teamed', and I use the word loosely, with a black fur trimmed parka and black Wellies with red spotted ribbons, as in case you hadn't noticed, I like polka dots!

All in all it didn't look too bad but as fun was the order of the day, I guess on this occasion it didn't matter!

Hope everyone had fun in the snow today!