Headache Banished…….

Last week I had four days of a headache from hell – I get them for no apparent reason and they disappear quickly except this this one it – it loitered with intent and dragged me down until I got a lovely boxed parcel from Hotter the shoe people.

They had kindly sent me a pair of shoes – my choice.

So within ten minutes of lacing them up with the ribbon the headache was gone –so it is true new shoes do cure all ill’s I will remember this next time and not reach for the Paracetamol I will buy some shoes.

Rioja Shoes £59.00 Hotter (see more)

These are my summer / spring time sneakers, they are made from suede and have a spongy sole and shell toe – the insole is removable and they have two styles of laces – one is the normal and the other is a satin ribbon – I went for this.

They come in three colourways pale aqua, soft violet and ecru – I have the ecru shade …….. They are sized 3 to 9 with half sizes.

Now for the summer holidays I seriously have my eye on these ……….

Surabaya £69.00 Hotter (see more)

A nice low wedge with a peep toe and decorative straps across the front and a side buckle fastening and full back – the pewter is perfect for all your summer wardrobe and comfortable for walking and dressing up – sized 3 to 9 with half sizes and comes in a number of other colours.

A Little Bit of Toast ……

If my memory serves me right the first Toast catalogue where actually large pieces of thick paper folded over – I had some amazing trousers and a shirt I had seen the brand mentioned in a magazine, they were a small husband and wife business and I wore the trousers and shirt for years and always had comments especially in France as people thought it had that French casual elegance of a very lean, spared design – they are now partially owned by French Connection – but still have those clean design lines and the same distinctive handwriting.

They now have men’s and homeware in their range and they are also available from John Lewis which means everyone can have a taste of this great Welsh brand.

Toast Hatsuka Leather Jacket, Cinnamon £445.00 John Lewis (see more)

This casual yet chic Toast jacket is made with beautifully soft washed nappa leather, for an effortless finishing touch to any outfit. It has an asymmetric zip-up fastening and collar, two side pockets and ribbed jersey panels at the inside sleeves for a close fit- sized 8 to 14

Toast Mio Striped Overcoat, Green Multi £275.00 John Lewis (see more)

This relaxed Toast coat has an all-over stripe design in faded colours, and an oversized boxy shape with two deep side pockets, that looks both effortless and timeless- made from 88% Cotton, 11% Linen, 1% Elastane and sized 8 to 14

Toast Kai Raincoat, Navy £195.00 John Lewis (see more)

This Toast jacket is the perfect piece to keep you looking stylish whatever the weather. It has a double breasted style in an oversized shape, with a drawstring hood, two side pockets and buckled tabs at the cuffs. This cotton jacket has a water repellent finish and a printed lining – made from 100% cotton and sized small to large.

Toast Amika Cotton Dress, Navy £145.00 John Lewis (see more)

This chic and contemporary Toast dress has a simple A-line shape with a round neckline, contrast colour side panels and two side pockets. This dress comes with a detachable skinny leather belt to create a flattering shape, and is fastened with exposed back zip- 100% cotton and sized 8 to 16

Toast Prince of Wales Check Trousers, Charcoal £135.00 John Lewis (see more)

These Toast trousers are work wear essentials - a great alternative to classic black and a contemporary, feminine shape. They have a tapered fit with turn-up ankles, belt loops at the waistband and four pockets at the hips. These trousers have a wool linen mix fabric, woven in Yorkshire using natural fibres for a timeless yet smart look – made from 75% Wool, 25% Linen and sized 8 to 16

Toast Fine Wool Jumper, Cinnamon £135.00 John Lewis (see more)

This effortlessly chic knit from Toast has a relaxed, boxy fit with front and back centre seams, two side pockets, and luxuriously soft, fine wool. Wear this oversized knit with skinny jeans for a classic daywear look – made from 100% wool and sized small to large.

Toast Shima Striped Dress, Tan £125.00 John Lewis (see more)

This striped cotton dress from toast has a smart, fitted shape with a boat neckline, elbow length sleeves, and pleated darts at the neck and waist to create a feminine hourglass silhouette. This dress looks great with chunky boots and a denim jacket to contrast this slim fit shape- 100% cotton and sized 8 to 14

Toast Linen Tunic Shirt, Cornflower £115.00 John Lewis (see more)

This versatile Toast shirt looks great with leggings for a casual daywear look. It has a slightly A-line shape with a seven-button fastening, 3/4 length sleeves, two hip pockets and a medium weight linen fabric that's ideal for layering – made from 100% linen and sized 8 to 14

New Summer Shades From Ciaté……….

I love this range of nail varnish as it comes in lovely bottles which are finished off with a small black bow, the colours are true to the bottle (how many times have you seen it the other way round) and it applies easily. The brand was started by Charlotte Knight who started off as a salon based nail technician with her own chain of nail bars; she has since become one of the UK’s leading session and celebrity nail technicians. With her experience working on fashion shows, magazine shoots and in her nail bars, she saw a gap in the market for a nail fashion brand that embodied everything she looks for in beauty brands in terms of luxury, sophistication, femininity and fun whilst keeping it affordable and accessible to all.

I love these new shades, some glitter, glamour and pastels perfect for every occasion.

Sugar Plum – Crème £9.00 Ciaté (see more)

Baby doll parmaviolet- delicious creams create a colour perfect for the spring and summer.

Iced Frappe – Crème £9.00 Ciaté (see more)

Nude coffee delight- creamy, luxurious skin tone uplifting cream nude colour.

Pom Pom – Crème £9.00 Ciaté (see more)

Hot, sexy and vibrant, this rich mandarin red – the perfect red.

Sand Dune – Shimmer £9.00 Ciaté (see more)

A glistening, shimmering gold shade.

Confetti – Glitter £9.00 Ciaté (see more)

An explosion of holographic microglitters in silver…….

Glametal – Shimmer £9.00 Ciaté (see more)

A unique mixture of melted silvers, gold’s and demure darks.

Easy Casual Elegance ……

Getting the balance for casual right is hard as we all know and the immortal phrase “smart casual” can send a chill down anyone’s spine – so help is at hand with Madeleine Thompson who does the most amazing range of knits which are great for all year round – perfect for layering and also fabulous for travelling in so your warm and look great.

We have pulled our favourites from her range, it’s a popular brand found in Liberty, Austique and on Net –a –Porter ……

Woody chunky-knit cashmere sweater £410.00 Net-a-Porter (see more)

Round necked cream chunky cashmere, loose fit long sleeved jumper – 100% cashmere and sized small to large.

Draped cashmere wrap £375.00 Net-a-Porter (see more)

Perfect for travel, weekends or just over your jeans with its draped front, rolled trims, asymmetric cut 100% cashmere – one size

Timeless Grey Stripe Dress £315.00 Liberty (see more)

Knitted silk and cashmere mix maxi dress featuring a grey and off-white graduated stripe pattern, seam detailing on the skirt and long sleeves with ribbed cuffs- made from 50% Silk, 50% Cashmere and one size.

Roll Neck Cashmere Dress £295.00 Austique (see more)

Cashmere dress with ribbed roll neck, long sleeves with ribbed detail cuffs, ribbed detail bib and two side pockets- made from 20% Cashmere 80% Wool and one size

Long Cream Princess Knitted Cardigan £255.00 Liberty (see more)

Long sleeve, long line cardigan featuring loose knitted detail around the neckline, down the front button fastening, at the elbows and on the two front pockets and Mother of Pearl buttons- made from 50% Cashmere, 50% Silk and one size

Beige Daisy Maxi Cardigan £250.00 Liberty (see more)

Beige maxi length cardigan featuring three Mother of Pearl button fastenings at the front; two patch pockets; v-neckline and ribbed cuffs- made from 50% Cashmere, 50% Silk one size

Pink And White Lattice Print Scarf £170.00 Liberty (see more)

Long cashmere scarf featuring a pink and white geometric lattice print and frayed ends- 100% cashmere.

Alexandra cashmere and silk pants £135.00 Net-a-Porter (see more)

Light-gray cashmere and silk-blend elasticated drawstring waist pants with gathering at cuffs- they are pull on- made from 50% cashmere, 50% silk and sized small to large.

Soak Away ……..

Some days there is nothing like a soak in the bath, as it eases the tension away, allow you to regroup or maybe for many it’s the only time when the world stops and you get a chance to listen to the radio or read a book without being disturbed ….. Or you might be having a soak in the tub to ease the joints and muscles after some strenuous activity or exercise …….

Bath salts are the perfect accompaniment and I must say I had forgotten how almost therapeutic they are in giving muscles some relief ……

Udderly Gorgeous Bath Salts £24.00 Cowshed (see more)

Contains sea buckthorn oil, an emollient packed with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids to pamper and protect the skin they contain no artificial additives.

 Seamoss Stress Relieving Hydrosoak £19.00 Molton Brown (see more)

De-stress, detox and delight in our sea moss stress relieving hydro soak. Let it transform an average bath into a marine hydro-therapy with just a handful of granules. As you soak, let the intense blend of Dead Sea bath salts, seaweeds and horse chestnut extracts replenish and rebalance your body and mind-added bonus great for exfoliation too.

Burt's Bees Theraputic Bath Crystals £10.99 Boots (see more)

After exercising or at the end of a hard day, indulge in a bath of Burt’s Bees Therapeutic Bath Crystals to help ease away the stresses of the day and relax your body and soul in the soothingly warm and aromatic water. Infused with revitalising lemon oil, rosemary, and eucalyptus, your body will thank you as it soon feels refreshed and energised once again.

Dead Sea Spa Magik - Bath Salts £5.89 Holland & Barrett (see more)

Recommended for those with dry and flaky skin disorders- helps improve and soften the skin. Minerals attract and retain moisture to help maintain a healthy complexion. Refreshes, relaxes, soothes and produces a feeling of well-being. No additives.

Botanics Invigorating Bath Salts £5.10 Boots (see more)

Botanics, the power of plants, after a tiring day, a warm bath using these easily dissolved Botanics Invigorating Bath salts stimulates and invigorates with Ginger to stimulate and invigorate the skin.

Radox herbal bath salts muscle soak £1.05 Boots (see more)

This is the original Radox herbal bath salts muscle soak, relaxing thyme helps soothe and relax aching muscles.

PJ’s ………..

For some reason the coming of Spring signals new PJ’s in this house , the lightweight ones , great for sitting read the paper in and wandering about in the morning in …..

So we have been PJ shopping on the net looking for something classic with a twist, these are our favourites….

Ruby & Ed Ula Print Pyjama Set £99.00 The Pyjama Store (see more)

The beautifully classic Ula Pari Pyjama Set from Ruby & Ed channels everything great about quintessential sleepwear style. Comprising of a buttoned shirt and pyjama bottoms with bow and elasticised for comfort with two back pockets- made from 100% cotton and sized small to large.

BedHead Women's Pink Delicate Toile Pyjamas £79.00 The Pyjama Store (see more)

The delicate toile pattern of these classic stretch pyjamas from BedHead creates beautifully classic sleepwear. Comprising of a buttoned shirt and pyjama trousers, this cotton nightwear set affords the upmost in luxury. With a fresh, flirty pattern, this two-piece ensemble is a perfectly feminine style- made from 95% Cotton, 5% Lycra and sized small to large.

Bonsoir Women's Blue Star Cotton Pyjamas £79.00 The Pyjama Store (see more)

Luxury pyjama set from Bonsoir. Comprising of a button up shirt and pyjama trousers, this comfortable two-piece ensemble is ideal for lulling you into a peaceful slumber. Perfect not only for bed, but to lounge around in too, these gorgeous pyjamas are archetypal, but with a fun twist, thanks to their cute star pattern- made from 100% cotton and sizes small to large.

Bird Print Pyjamas - £49.50 Hush (see more)

Get pretty for spring with these fresh pyjamas with an oversized shirt, scoop hem and breast pocket, wide-leg, low-rise trouser with elastic/drawstring waistband- made from 100% cotton and sized extra small to large.

Summer Stripe Pyjamas - £49.50 Hush (see more)

Stripes are a long-favoured spring/summer staple so these soft pyjamas are perfect and not too girly, with an oversized shirt, scoop hem and breast pocket, wide-leg, low-rise trouser with elastic/drawstring waistband- made from 100% cotton and sized extra small to large.

Ocean £45.00 Cyberjammies (see more)

A striped pyjama with elbow length sleeves , button through shirt piped trip and drawstring waist – made from 100% cotton and sized 8 to 18

Relaxed Luxury …….

I love these pieces at Planet they are great on their own or teamed into an outfit, perfect for work or going out afterwards and they all work well with existing pieces in your wardrobe.

Black Linen Curve Hem Jacket £149.00 Planet (see more)

Relaxed tailoring gives this black linen Planet jacket softer styling edge, with its curved hem and subtle top stitching on the lapels, it has a  flattering curved front panel details lead to the waist, with a two button front fastening and 3/4 sleeves and is lined – made from 100% linen and sized 8 to 20

Candy Stripe Cowl Neck Dress £129.00 Planet (see more)

Soft chiffon Planet dress in beautiful candy stripes of firecracker, apricot, aqua and light brown. Sleeveless and knee length, with an elasticated waist and self-tie belt, the cowl neck drapes down to form a modesty panel underneath the drape – made from 100% polyester and sized 8 to 20

Black Linen Shift Dress £129.00 Planet (see more)

Planet shift dress designed in pure black linen with a wide neckline and narrow straps going over the shoulder to accentuate the neckline.  A classic shift shape with form-flattering bust darts front and back. The dress is fully lined with a centre back zip and vent and made from 100% linen and sized 8 to 20

Linen Cap Sleeve Dress £129.00 Planet (see more)

Natural linen Planet shift with a scoop neck, cut away cap sleeves and a stitched waist panel front and back to accent the tailoring line. This signature Planet shift dress comes fully lined with a centre zip back fastening and back vent- made from 100% linen and sized 8 to 20

Mink Leather Small Handbag £129.00 Planet (see more)

Mink patent leather handbag with a silver metal colour turn lock fastening on the flap front- it’s neat, boxy, feminine style has a satchel length strap to wear across the body- lined with a zipped inner compartment and Planet stamp. Length Detail: 7.9 x 6.7 x 2.8 Inches (20 x 17 x 7 cms)  
 

Ruched Detail Maxi Dress £119.00 Planet (see more)

Black maxi dress with a ruched, gathered plunging v-front and waistband. This Planet fashion dress comes in a heavyweight black jersey that gives it stunning drape. Floor length and finished with grosgrain detailing, it just pulls on – made from 92% Polyester 8% Elastane and sized 8 to 20

Black Linen Trousers £89.00 Planet (see more)

Black linen Planet fashion trousers, tailored with a wide straight leg and unlined to maximise their fluid, elegant drape, with a deep pleated waistband, front pockets and a hook and bar zip front fastening, back darts add shape – made from 100% linen and sized 8 to 20

Black Pleated Maxi Skirt £89.00 Planet (see more)

Black jersey pleated maxi skirt from the Planet fashion collection. In buttersoft jersey and lined to give you a slimmer silhouette, the pleated maxi is one of this season's must buys, with a pull on jersey waistband and covetable floor length maxi look- made from 65% Polyester 35% Elastane and sized extra small to extra –large.

Our New Find Matilda & Quinn…….

This is a new British womenswear brand it’s very curvy, fitted, feminine and grown up dressing- the emphasis is very much on the fabric and the fit with the focus on luxurious natural fibres and they make a concerted effort to work with the few high end manufacturers remaining in the UK.

For me it’s fabulous work wear, perfect for going on out afterwards ……. Just love this company as they also have some lovely accessories and bags which add the right finishing touch – almost one stop shopping.

Genevieve £159.00 Matilda & Quinn (see more)

The Genevieve Blouse is an everyday style essential exuding feminine chic. The Blouse is finished in an on-trend iridescent premium silk satin. Dress-maker details include clean French seams and silk binding on the inside of the sleeves to ensure they keep their crisp capped shape. The Genevieve blouse comes in 4 on-trend colours in-fitting with the Matilda & Quinn collection. The Genevieve Blouse provides a comfortable fit. The front tie can be easily assembled as you choose made from 100% silk and sized 6 to 16

Camille £239.00 Matilda & Quinn (see more)

The Camille Dress features a beautiful on-trend Monet inspired print on the upper of the dress, high dome buttons, a quirky scalloped collar and waist and Matilda & Quinn's signature fish pleat. The dress has a flattering cut with a slightly higher waist for an unfailingly feminine fit. The Camille Dress is the perfect piece for transition from the office to the bar. Wear with a pair of heels for elongating form and the perfect feminine silhouette- made from Fabric 1: 97% cotton, 3% elastane Fabric 2: 100% viscose. Lining: 100% acetate and sized 6 to 16

Annabelle £249.00 Matilda & Quinn (see more)

The Annabelle Dress is classic style with a quirky twist. The dress features an elegant three tiered collar piece that extends to the back of the dress. The dress is made from premium Italian cotton with elastane for extra comfort and a perfect fit. This dress is smart and sophisticated for work, whilst elegant and stylish for when you leave the office. The Annabelle Dress is also the perfect option for any special occasion – made from Fabric: 97% premium cotton, 3% elastane. Lining: 100% acetate and sized 6 to 16

Bailey £299.00 Matilda & Quinn (see more)

The Bailey Jacket is a classic tailored piece in on-trend tweed. The Bailey Jacket is made from luxe super soft pure lambswool for maximum comfort and a non-crease finish. Vintage style brass buttons and buttoned cuffs create a polished professional look. Complete the look with the Olivia Skirt – made from Fabric: 100% lambswool. Lining: 60% acetate, 40% viscose and sized 6 to 16

Annie £139.00 Matilda & Quinn (see more)

The Annie Skirt is made from premium sateen cotton with elastane and exudes professional chic with its gentle flap details. The Annie Skirt is a versatile addition to any wardrobe and an alternative to traditional black attire. This neat tailored piece can be teamed with the Carolina or Lily Blouse to complete the look. The Annie Skirt provides a flattering cut and is a comfortably fitted style- made from 97% cotton, 3% elastane. Lining: 100% acetate and sized 6 to 16

Charlotte – Blue £109.00 Matilda & Quinn (see more)

The Charlotte Skirt is an elegant and stylish piece with gentle box pleats at the front and back and a shapely waistband piece in a vibrant teal. The Charlotte Skirt comes in a luxe cotton floral print and is fully lined with fine cotton for comfort- 100% cotton, Fabric 2: 97% cotton, 3% elastane. Lining: 100% cotton.

Black And White Cat Brooch £15.00 Matilda & Quinn (see more)

The Black and White Catch Brooch is finished with intricate detailing and is the perfect addition to your jacket lapel.