Something Sweet Smelling For Winter: DKNY Nectar Love

You'll likely have seen me rave about this fragrance on social media, because quite frankly I am in love with it. I've tried a lot of perfumes recently (I spent far longer than I care to admit mooching round the fragrance section in Selfridges at the weekend) and found some absolute corkers. But this one is pretty special because I've not smelt anything similar - it's a very unique scent and I'm absolutely loving it.

New In From L'Oreal - Merry Metals & More

If there's one collection I've been excited to write about, it's the new releases from L'Oreal. They have surpassed all expectations and seriously knocked it out of the park with their Merry Metals Collection and various other bits and pieces recently and I've been a very happy Blogger trying it all out.

The Perfect Scent for Autumn & Winter: Michael Kors Sexy Ruby

I am a huge fan of Michael Kors fragrances. I have three different ones on my dressing table at the moment and others which I regularly rebuy. (I have a birthday coming up so I'm hoping my boyfriend has picked up on my hints!) I find the Michael Kors fragrances to be pretty much my ideal scents. They aren't too sweet, but carry a really nice level of musk. And I love musky fragrances. So when I tried Sexy Ruby, their newest fragrance, in-store recently, I knew I had to have it.

13 Steps To Preparing For Party Season

Christmas and winter doesn't just bring the prospect of snow, a mountain of mince pies and a tree filled with lights and baubles. No, it also brings party season! Between the work's Christmas party, the annual Christmas meals with friends and the after works drinks (that don't end until 2pm) - well, party season is pure fun and games. But it really can take it's toll on our skin. I'm all for that extra glass (or bottle) of bubbles during party season but between that, the late nights, and the lack of sleep...well party season can take it's toll. So to avoid the fun backfiring, there are some great ways to get party ready in no time at all. 

Winter Wishlist

Winter brings my birthday, Christmas and well, more than the odd reason to treat myself. Plus with the big (and small) brands outdoing themselves with so many new products, limited edition collections and Christmas products...well, I've been spoilt for choice when it comes to streamlining my Winter Wishlist. 

How To Rock The Wellie Look This Winter

Is it just me or did we wake up about a week ago and literally overnight autumn had turned into winter? Gone were the beautiful crunchy leaves that looked so picturesque, instead being replaced by puddles so large they resemble a sinkhole.

Gone are the lovely sunsets and sunrises, and instead we have darkness when arriving at work, and darkness when leaving. Plus we're facing wind that sounds like it's about to knock houses over and rain that ruins perfectly styled hair within seconds.

Yes my friends, autumn has gone. Winter has arrived.

So, that means that once again it's time for our clothing choices to change. We can't get away with a light jacket anymore, instead needing something thick enough that it would protect us from nuclear fallout. But the biggest change for me is footwear. Now I have the school run to do, I can't get away with toddling along in my work heels. Instead, I know it's time to face the truth - the wellies need to come out.

And thankfully for us, we now have so many choices when it comes to colours and brands. Long gone are the days of khaki green or khaki green as the only option. Now we've got all sorts to chose from, and far from being classed as taboo - they are now a winter fashion must have!

So, how can we rock the wellies?

Firstly, and best for those who rest in the safety of darker colours - if you go for the black ones or darker colours, then team them with a pair of wellie socks that fit over the top and will break up the bottom half of your outfit with a nice neutral tone. Layering isn't ever going to go out of style, and this includes with footwear and your bottom half too.

Another way for rocking the darker colours like grey, would be to use the rest of the outfit to bring in some colour. Team with a scarf that matches the grey but also brings in a pop of colour and just adds that lovely wintery feel too. You can't go wrong with grey either because it goes with all coloured bottoms - black, blue etc.

You can even wear wellies when you need to wear something sparkly! I'm a real girlie dresser, so I love things with sequins and sparkles. Just because you need to wear wellies, doesn't mean you need to forgo your entire sense of style. Add a pair of skinny jeans and stick to dark coloured boots and voila - chic, classy and practical for those wet days.

If you're going for bright and cheerful boots then this is how you rock the look...

Use the colours of the boots to allow you to wear staple shades like black in a gorgeous little dress with black tights and layered cardigans, scarfs etc to keep you warm. The pop of colour will make you stand out and really draw attention to how well you can rock a pair of wellies!

Personally I spend a lot of my life in jeans. So to rock wellies in jeans, pick the bright and colourful boots. That way you're offsetting the jeans - no matter what colour or shade they are. Use your accessories to match - scarf, bag, jewellery - and coordinate a whole outfit around your boots and accessories. And don't forget to wrap up warm with a thick winter coat.

Now, the pastel colours are gorgeous, but are they winter worthy? I think so! My favourite pastel shade would always be baby pink, so using that as an example, team them with light coloured jeans and a matching top or jumper. Keeping the jeans on the pale side won't make the difference between denim and pastel so large, and will be easier on the eye...so no case of feeling like your mismatched. Keep your top half matching and you'll rock the pastel boots easily.

So, there you have it! It's all about the colour boot you choose - but it's easy to rock the wellie look this winter. Some boot colours need to match the clothing and some need to match the accessories. And some need to be worn as the only colour in the outfit, to take all the attention. Whichever style, brand, colour or pattern you chose. This just proves that you can rock the wellies this winter.

Girls Day Out

This weekend I went out for the day with the girls.

Destination: Bluewater. 

Aim: shop till' we dropped and get as much of the Christmas shopping done as possible.

Did we do that? Lets just say we struggled to shut the boot with the purchases of three adult women who all love shopping when we packed the car. (You can watch my YouTube Haul video to see exactly what I got, here!)

Bluewater is my all time favourite shopping centre. Located in Greenhithe, Kent, it's approximately an hour and a half from my house in Cambridgeshire - so it's not too far and when I go, I make a day of it. There's over 300 shops (!), over 50 restaurants, a cinema, Pirate Cove Adventure park (crazy golf) and loads more, so there's no shortage of things to do to keep you amused. Put it this way, you'll plan to go for the day, but want to stay longer.

Is the force with you? If so, don't lego... (hehe)

Ghostbusters Lego in the Lego Store

I like Bluewater for loads of reason - a huge one being the range of shops. Two floors host the best range of brands, and at the risk of sounding like an advertising leaflet, they really do have something for everyone. One of the things on my shopping list for the day was some winter clothes for myself, as I had a mass clear out recently, and needed a few bits. Bluewater have everything that I want, including some of my favourite shops that only have the odd store or two here in the UK.  For example; Victoria's Secret or American Eagle. So it's worth making the trip, even if you live further away. It's also got the great everyday's like H&M, River Island, John Lewis and Warehouse etc. as well. All of which seem to stock a much better selection of items than other branches I've been to.

Lovely gift idea from New Look

With Christmas fast approaching, I needed to really crack on with the pressie buying and my first stop was Menkind. I managed to pick up some great stocking fillers, and even managed to bag a bargain buying two selfie sticks on offer for £5 - can't go wrong with a bit of a special offer! And who doesn't need a selfie stick?! (I've never actually used one!) After this I managed to continue my Christmas haul with buys from the Disney Store (where they had a sale on Marvel Avengers toys - which my son happens to love) and also some decorations from this beautiful gem of a store called Flutterbyes which sold the most beautiful gifts.

Lovely range of plaques at Flutterbyes

Flutterbyes

After a successful start to the day, we decided it was time for food. The range of restaurants is just as fantastic as the range of shops and considering one of the girls in our group is vegetarian, we didn't struggle to find somewhere that catered for both her and us. We settled on a lovely bit of Italian at Carluccio's and were really happy with the meal - a starter, main course and a drink each only came to £40 for three of us, so for the value we were very happy! And with full tummies off we went for the next half of the day..

We hit the good old trusty's like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, and I of course spent (well, I class it as investing!) some money in MAC. It was then that I noticed what was going on with the annual Bluewater Winter Wonderland. I'm the worlds biggest Christmas lover, it's my favourite time of year and Bluewater put on their epic wonderland with indoor ice-rink, snow slide and Christmas cinema. As well as this, they have festive rides and stalls for the kids too (ah-hem, and me). Make sure you check the website out for full details and to book your tickets - here. Winter Wonderland wouldn't be complete without Santa's Grotto either, and I'm pretty sure I saw the big man in Pandora buying my pressies in preparation...

Winter Wonderland opens on November 26th, but if you can't wait until then, the Christmas Light Night, with festive music and fireworks is happening on November 13th and Heart FM's Toby Anstis will be there too (claim to fame - I've met him!). I will likely be visiting for both of these events, being the Christmas fanatic that I am!

My shopping trip was made so easy because I used my loaded Bluewater Gift Card. Accepted in nearly all of the centre's shops, it was so easy and straightforward. It's great if you want to give a gift, but don't want to be limited to one store and it's like having your own little credit card for Bluewater! It's also good if you're on a budget and don't want to overspend - just pop your money on the card and off you go. I must say that it's my birthday in two weeks, and if anyone wants to buy me anything, please can I have a Bluewater Gift Card...?

Being able to go to all my favourite shops under one roof is brilliant. It's easy to get everything done and you can literally tick every name of your Christmas buying list while you're there because the choice is so vast. The centre loops round on itself, so no walking back and forth, you just follow yourself round...which is also great is you need to 'think' before making that splurge purchase (who needs anything more than toast for a week anyway?!)

I'm just sad that I couldn't try any of Lola's Cupcakes! I mean, just look at these beauties!

Lola's Cupcakes, artform i edible version!

Oh Lola, you do know how to make a good looking cupcake!

If you're wondering how to get all your Christmas shopping done, then Bluewater is your one stop destination. And for those who seem to have everything, the Bluewater Gift Card is something you can't go wrong with (birthday donations gratefully received).

..So, what are you doing this weekend? Could you squeeze in a trip to Bluewater? If so, see you there!

Follow Bluewater on Twitter: "TweetBluewater and find them on Facebook and Instagram.