Tag Archives: Shopping

Just like Honey

Posted in Beauty, Family Life by
Celebrating the arrival of the weekend with a glass of wine and a bowl of black cherries last night

Celebrating the arrival of the weekend with a glass of wine and a bowl of black cherries last night

The last weekend before we go on holiday and it’s been busy, busy so far. I haven’t even started doing any packing, just loads of washing and organising all the travel documents and maps that we need for the journey. If anyone has any tips on how to pack for a family of five going on a two week holiday (with quite a lot of travelling around by car) to a country where sunny weather cannot be guaranteed, they would be much appreciated!

Luckily, we have borrowed a large roof box from my parents as I need to leave room in the car for all the things I want to buy and transport back home. There are some really lovely quirky interior and fashion shops both in Denmark and southern Sweden that are on my list of places to visit, in between the beach (weather permitting), Legoland and other children’s attractions. Many of them don’t ship outside Scandinavia and some of the items I have my eye on  (like a bookshelf – I only mentioned that to the husband last night but he seems to think we can fit it in, even if one of the children has to travel in the roof box on the way back (only joking!!) are too big to send by post.

But for now we’re enjoying another sunny weekend and having spent much of the week at home overseeing the enforced bathroom renovations, I felt the need to escape for a couple of hours this morning. A brisk walk along the river followed by a latte in Costa Coffee and a leisurely stroll around the shops did the trick. I even managed to have my first sniff of Marc Jacob’s new perfume, Honey and, as I had expected, it smelled divine. Quite unlike me, I didn’t buy it right then and there as hopefully they will sell it in the duty free shop on the ferry.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

River walk

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Falling for Odd Molly’s new collection

Posted in Fashion by

Despite the sun beating down outside I’m already getting excited about the fall collections that are starting to hit the shops, both on the high street and online. Today it is the new AW 13 collection from Swedish brand Odd Molly that is throwing temptation in my way.

Here is a selection of my favourite new arrivals. Unbelievably, the Absentee dress in Almost Black has already sold out on the Odd Molly website but I managed to snap one up in my size from online boutique Get my Fashion. The Canna cardigan (in either Indigo or Almost Black) and the Shane saddle bag are also high up on my wishlist.

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From top: Lovely Knit jacket, Absentee dress, Shane saddle bag, Canna cardigan (x2) and Teatime blouse. To see the full collection go to the Odd Molly website (link)

Currently Coveting #7

Posted in Currently Coveting, Fashion by

Michael Kors

I know we’re still in the middle of summer, but the Naomi clutch by Michael Kors is definitely on my wish list for this fall. The zipper detailing adds a tough edge to the sleek leather bag and stops it from looking too dainty. The perfect accessory for both day and night time, it is big enough to hold all your essentials. Find it here.

The Fashion Clinic #5: Red Hot Details

Posted in Fashion by

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I’ve been slightly obsessed with this picture since I first saw it on the ever-so-stylish Emily Schuman’s blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere (original image from here). I love the idea of using accessories to add a pop of red to an otherwise neutral or monochrome outfit. It’s an easy way for colour-phobics like myself to brighten up their wardrobe.

If money was no object, this would be my pick of the best red hot accessories out there:

Red Collage

Clockwise from top left: Miu Miu leather tote £690; Alexander McQueen scarf £165; Saint Laurent ankle boots £600; Victoria Beckham clutch £450; Repetto ballet flats £190; Alexander McQueen scarf £165. All items available from Net a Porter.

For now though, I’m content to add a splash a red to my toes with Headline Colors nail polish in Catwalk.

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Issa launches High Street version of Duchess dress

Posted in Fashion by

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You may not be able to get your hands on the custom-made Jenny Packham dress that Kate Middleton wore to debut Prince George, but another of the Duchess’ headline grabbing outfits is hitting the high street next month.

Issa London is reissuing a new version of Kate’s engagement dress in its forthcoming collaboration with US clothing chain Banana Republic. The British brand has created a daywear version of the blue wrap dress, which sold out after the Duchess wore it at the announcement of her engagement to Prince William in November 2010.

The new version, which has a wrap waist and ruched detailing, is made from jersey and comes in both blue and plum, while another similar style features short sleeves and a deep V-neck. Best of all, you don’t need a Royal budget to snap one up, as prices range from £65 to £75 – far less than Issa’s original price of £565. The 40-piece collection also includes light knits, tops and accessories, with prices starting at a purse-friendly £30. Destined to be a sell-out, the capsule range will launch online and in 700 Banana Republic stores across the globe on August 8.

Elbows at the ready ladies!

There are several versions of the sell out engagement dress in the collection including a £75 sleeveless style (left) and a £65 short plum piece (right)

There are several versions of the sell out engagement dress in the collection including a £75 sleeveless style (left) and a £65 short plum piece (right)

Currently Coveting #6

Posted in Currently Coveting by

Despite often seeing its trend-led pieces on the fashion pages of various magazines, River Island is not a store that I normally frequent. When I shop on the high street (which I have to admit is not that often, I much prefer the ‘click to buy’ approach from the comfort of my sofa) I tend to stick to department stores where all the brands are in close proximity to each other. But on a trip into town today I ventured all the way down to Primark and on the way back I decided on a whim to pop into River Island.

Like most other stores it was at the tail-end of the summer Sale and not necessarily looking its best, but at the back of the shop I managed to locate some real gems including these jackets. While it may be too hot to wear them at the moment, I think any of them would look great teamed with a simple T-shirt and skinny jeans on the cooler days that are no doubt coming our way soon.

 

River Island Collage

Clockwise from top left: Pink and orange tweed jacket, £60; Cream marl contrast trim biker jacket, £45; Orange embossed peplum jacket, £35; Beige structured cropped jacket, £50.

Wake up and smell the coffee!

Posted in Family Life by

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The one major downside to this lovely summer weather we’re experiencing at the moment is that the children are finding it really hard to get to sleep. Even when we open all the windows upstairs the heat is stifling as there is virtually no wind. Last night was particularly bad and I can count the number of hours I slept on one hand. I think we really need to invest in some fans although I’ve heard that they’ve sold out nearly everywhere. Looks like we’re not the only ones suffering…

I impressed myself by making it to my gym class this morning and then kept myself going by putting my new Stelton coffee press to good use. After all that caffeine I feel wide awake now, when really I should be trying to get an early night…

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Designed by Erik Magnussen for Stelton in 1977, the classic vacuum jug now comes as a press coffee maker in four different finishes. Available from John Lewis for £44.95

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This week’s favourites

Posted in Family Life, Fashion by

Alla 3

No more buggy! All three children ready for the school run on their scooters.

Water slide collage

I hardly dare say it aloud but this amazing weather just keeps on coming. This week we got the water slide out for the boys and they had lots of fun in the garden.

Hunky Dory Collage

A couple of new purchases in the Sale – a jumper in a pretty coral colour from Swedish brand Hunky Dory and a platter from Iittala (bought from the Royal Design webshop) that I’m using as a tray for the oils and spices that I most frequently use for cooking.

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Pool 2

For the third weekend in a row we went over to my parents’ house for a cooling dip in the pool and a barbecue dinner.

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We rounded off the weekend with yet another birthday party for Clemmie – this time with Grandparents and Godparents – and I’ve now eaten enough cake to last me all summer!

The Beauty Edit: Estelle & Thild

Posted in Beauty by

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I was thrilled to discover this week that Swedish organic skincare brand Estelle & Thild is now available in the UK. I have to admit that when I first came across the products in a shop in Stockholm last month I was initially drawn to the pretty packaging. After reading up about the brand’s organic credentials, however, I am convinced that it is exactly what my dry and over-sensitive skin needs.

Founder Pernilla Rönnberg came up with the idea for Estelle & Thild (named after her two daughters) when she struggled to find organic products to use on her own children. The range, which was developed in consultation with dermatologists and toxicologists, has taken Scandinavia by storm thanks to its unique, gentle and effective formulas that can be used on the most sensitive of skins. All the products carry the Ecosert seal of approval and are based on vitamin-rich oils and plant extracts that are good for skin vitality. They are suitable for both young and old skin and can also be used during pregnancy. The latest addition to the product line up is the Violet Body Sculpting Series which consists of a body scrub, slimming oil and firming lotion.

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Estelle & Thild is available from Harrods’ Urban Retreat  and Selfridges.

You can read an interview with Pernilla on The Formula Blog and find out which products she uses for her own skincare routine.

The Fashion Clinic #4: Summer in the City

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So the sun is beating down and all you want to do is stretch out on the lounger next to the pool with a good book and chilled glass of rosé for company. Sadly for most of us this scenario only becomes a reality for a couple of weeks a year (if we’re lucky!) when we jet off on holiday. The rest of the time we have to contend with our normal routine regardless of the weather – whether that’s running after the children or braving the tube to go to work (or both!) – so here’s my guide on how to stay cool and look hot (but not frazzled) when the temperature soars.

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Clockwise from top left: Dress by Hobbs NW3; Top from Zara; Shorts by Asos; Bracelet by Monica Vinader; Shoes by Whistles; Dress by Asos; Jacket by Asos

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Clockwise from top left: Bracelet from H&M; Dress by Free People; Vest from Topshop; Shorts by Vero Moda; Sandals from Oasis; Dress by Asos