We Love Christmas with BHS

 Christmas at BHS is always an exciting time of year. You can always rely on them to have presents for all the family in stock, from toys for the kids to jigsaws and board games for the grandparents - there is always something for everyone! I love popping in to the huge BHS store in Birmingham and having a look around. One year, I managed to get almost all of my Christmas shopping done in one trip to the store!

 This year the range of Christmas gifts are better than ever, with gifts for food lovers, beauty enthusiasts, gamers, gardeners and more! If I hadn't already done my Christmas shopping, I know where I would be heading to get all of the gifts for my family. I love the BHS advert that they've released this year (see the video above!) especially the cute little owl and it's made me want to go and look around the Birmingham store even more. Maybe I'll end up getting my family a few extra presents? I know that I wouldn't mind one of those owls for myself!

Have you done all your Christmas shopping yet? What do you think about the new BHS advert?

This post is sponsored by Spreaditfast

Give It Up

Smoking - it's not big and it's certainly not clever but I bet we've all tried it at some point in our lives, haven't we? I'm not going to deny that curiosity got the better of me when I was younger and I gave it a go. Luckily, I soon realised that it wasn't for me and that there's far more things I can waste my money on, like lipstick and bubble tea. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case for everyone.

 I have a lot of friends and family members who are addicted to smoking and are finding it hard to give up the habit. There's always lots of adverts around to encourage you to stop smoking but from experience, I've found that my friends have found it easier to quit when they've not gone 'cold turkey' or started chewing gum or sticking silly patches on their arms; they've simply switched to e-cigarettes to slowly ease them off the nicotine.

E-cigarettes are great because it's just like smoking but without most of the nasty chemicals so you don't really have to give up the habit. A lot of people find that they put on weight when they quit smoking because they end up eating so they have something to do with their hands and e-cigarettes from Vype can help to stop this. 

Have you ever given up smoking?

This post was written in collaboration with Vype. 

Tattoo removal

Everybody makes mistakes when they're younger. I thought I was really cool when I was 15 and stretched my ears - when I finally decided that I'd had enough of them, I let them shrink back down but now they look like cat's arseholes. Wonderful. One mistake that I'm glad I didn't make is getting one of the tattoos that I had planned out for when I turned eighteen. I had a whole load of ideas that I was definitely going to get, thank god I chickened out otherwise I'd now be covered in Muse lyrics, emo stars and Harry Potter quotes. Luckily for me, I just stuck to piercings which can be removed and I've had plenty of time to think about any tattoos I may get in the future.

If I had ended up with those tattoos, I'd definitely be looking at tattoo removal now. A lot of places offer this service but it's a good idea to do some research before you take the plunge to ensure that you don't make another mistake. If you're in the North West of England, you can check out the Epilight Clinic in Liverpool who offer a free consultation and have over a decade of experience.

"A very short pulse of high power laser light is passed through the skin to shatter tattoo ink particles. As tattoo ink particles are too big for the body’s immune system to break down and remove naturally, the laser breaks them into smaller particles – the body is then able to remove these particles and dispose of them naturally."

Did you get any regrettable tattoos when you were younger? 

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Hair Removal

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I don't know about you, but hair removal is the bane of my life. I know I'm not the only one who must spend hours each year shaving and plucking and waxing, only for it all to grow back again. I hate having to get my eyebrows threaded every six weeks, it seems like they grow back overnight! I also hate having to shave my legs which usually leads to ingrown hairs (blergh!) or I end up taking half of my skin off with the hairs too. I've tried depilatory creams and although they work well, they don't half stink!

For a while now, I've been thinking of laser hair removal treatment as an alternative to shaving and waxing. It's a pricey option but it's definitely worth it. It hurts no more than epilating or waxing and the results are a lot more permanent.

"Laser is nothing but a form of light that is focused on the hair follicles. The heat produced by laser will burn follicles to destroy so that they will not re-grow for a long time. In other word, the laser treatments work by burning the roots of hair follicles with a targeted laser beam."

I think it's time I started saving up for this because lets face it, I spend a hell of a lot on razors and threading anyway and who doesn't want to take the easier option?

What do you think about laser hair removal? Have you tried it? Is it something that you've considered?

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Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

Christmas is just around the corner and I can imagine that there are a lot of men out there who are stuck for what to buy their significant others for the special occasion. There's always one option that women are always grateful for - diamonds. Whether they're in earring form (which is always a classy present to go for), or on a pendant, set into watches or even as part of a ring, diamond's really are a girl's best friend! They're the best stone to buy as they go with anything and can really help to jazz up an outfit.

If you're in the North West of England and are looking for a fine piece of diamond jewellery, there's only one place you need to visit and that's Prestige jewellers in Southport.

"Offering high quality products at hard to beat prices through a unique purchasing approach, Prestige Diamonds remove the traditional layers of wholesalers and brokers. An ecommerce service allows us to deliver exceptional wholesale prices to the general public."

So men, what are you waiting for? Get yourself to Prestige and buy a diamond for the special lady in your life.

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How far would you go to stay looking young?

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Nowadays there's a lot of pressure from the media and our peers to look 'perfect'. Billions of pounds are spent each year on cosmetics, hair care and cosmetic surgery. I know I spend a fair amount each month on keeping myself groomed and looking as good as I possibly can. 

So far, I haven't taken any extreme measures to keep myself looking youthful (I am only 24!) however, I have started dabbling in anti-ageing treatments and I use a lot of makeup and other cosmetics on a daily basis. I don't think I'm brave enough to try out anything too extreme or painful such as rhinoplasty or boob job but if I wasn't completely happy with the way I looked and I could afford it, I would definitely consider botox or dermal fillers.

"BOTOX is produced from a toxin that is derived from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. When injected under the skin, it targets muscles and temporarily restricts their movement.

This in turn reduces the formation of lines and wrinkles and results in a smoother and more radiant look. Just a small amount of Botox is required for visibly younger looking skin."

"Dermal fillers, such as lip or cheek fillers, can be used to give better definition to facial features. Get a plumper pout or enjoy sharper looking cheekbones with expert cheek fillers."

Both of these, along with many other procedures are offered at Aesthetically you which is one of the best places to visit for botox in Liverpool.

How far would you go to keep a youthful look? Have you ever had any of these procedures?

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Guest Post: Tips and Tricks for DIY Hair Colouring

We’ve all had those at-home hair disasters whilst getting a little experimental with a box dye. Whether it’s blonde that’s turned orange or stained brown splodges along the hairline, most of us have been there and got the t-shirt. If you’ve not nailed it by now, or even if you’re a beginner dipping your toe into DIY hair colouring for the first time, here are a few tips us seasoned experts have learnt along the way…

Vaseline is Your Best Friend

Before you even think about tearing open that box of brown hair dye, grab a tub of Vaseline and apply it around your hairline, on your ears and on the back of your neck. The Vaseline will form a barrier between your skin and the hair dye, meaning if any strays onto your forehead, ears or neck, it can be wiped away. This is a step not to be skipped; hair dye stains are notoriously difficult to remove and it can take weeks for them to fade.

Going Blonde? Go to the Hairdressers!

Unless you’re an at-home hair dying veteran, avoid attempting highlights and don’t even bother with blonde dyes from a box. Blonde is notoriously hard to get right and often results in bright orange locks when you attempt it yourself, so save up your money and book an appointment with a professional.

Don’t Underestimate the Mess

Before you start, look around you. Are there any towels, fabrics or surfaces that you wouldn’t like to be stained in the process of your DIY hair dye job? If there is, either remove them from the vicinity or cover them up; no matter how careful you are, you’d be surprised at how far hair dye can splash!

Caring for Your Hair

Colouring your hair isn’t the best thing for it, and it can often be left feeling damaged. Stock up on hair oils and serums and always use a heat protectant spray if you want your new colour to look its best. To stop your colour fading, stock up on some professional shampoos and conditioners used by hairdressers – Tigi’s are especially good. If you happen to use a mobile hair dresser, ask her to get them at a discounted rate from a wholesaler like Capital Hair & Beauty – the industrial salon-sized bottles will last you forever!

Statement jewellery

I love a good piece of statement jewellery. It's the perfect way to brighten up a dull outfit and bring a bit of attention to what you're wearing. I love wearing a statement necklace with a little black dress, it makes the whole thing a bit more interesting and makes you stand out from the crowd. You can also make your dull office outfit a bit more unique by popping one underneath your shirt collar, it's a great way to bring a bit of glam to the office.

If you're not brave enough to go for the bold statement necklaces then you can try incorporating a pair of Shourouk earrings into your outfit. If you wear your hair down, they would look great peeping through your waves without looking at all like Pat Butcher, the queen of statement earrings! These stunning pieces also look fantastic with an up do and a cocktail dress for a more formal occasion.

What accessories do you use to dress up an outfit?

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What are you wearing to your Christmas party?

Party season is just around the corner (Christmas is officially NEXT MONTH!) and I'm sure that many of you are like me and are already thinking about what you're going to be wearing, whether it's to the office Christmas party or just out for a meal with some of your closest girlfriends. There's so many styles in the high street shops that all look very similar and you definitely won't be wanting to commit the ultimate party sin and end up wearing the same outfit as anyone else!

TFNC London has so many different styles of party dresses to choose from, from this gorgeous sequined 1920's style flapper dress which would look amazing on the dance floor to the more sophisticated bodycon midi dress with a sweetheart neckline which would be a brilliant way to catch the eye of your work crush, to the stunning teal skater style dress with a sweetheart neckline which would be great for both a party and for a Christmas meal.

 These are just three of my favourites from the website, there's so many more great dresses to choose from. I'm just going to have to hope that I get invited to more than one event this party season so I have an excuse to buy several new dresses!

What are you going to be wearing this Christmas?

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Why you should save money and spend $3 million on Caribbean Property*

$3 million dollars sounds like a lot of money. And let's be honest...it is, but when you think what it can buy you these days, it doesn’t seem as much as you first think.

Take the tea bag for example. We all love a good cup of tea but is it really wise to spend over $15,000 dollars on one tea bag? Well some people think so - an exclusive jeweller based in the UK, hand-crafted a tea bag using over 280 diamonds and it sells for over 15 grand.

Or maybe you’re an animal lover and want to pamper your pooch with the ‘I Love Dogs Dog Collar’. With over 1600 hand set diamonds on 18k white gold and crocodile leather, one of these posh pooch accessories will set you back $1.8million. So $3million wouldn't even buy you two of these.

Perhaps you've got a bit of a sweet tooth and would like to splash out $16,000 on a pineapple. If so, you’ll be interested to hear about a group of British gardeners who have grown the tropical fruit using Victorian growing techniques and materials; staggeringly, the pineapples sell at auction for over $16,000.

We all fancy a tipple from time-to-time so why not try a shot of Russo-Baltique Vodka, the world's most expensive vodka at $1.3M. But wait a minute, it’s not actually meant to be consumed, just displayed as 'Art'. So if you are wondering why anyone would purchase this drink-that's-not-meant-to-be-drunk, then perhaps it’s because the bottle is encased with 30cm think bulletproof glass. So instead of investing in a bulletproof vest - just carry around your case of Russo-Baltique vodka should you run into any trouble.

You could even splash out $15 million on a black diamond iPhone case, nearly $4million on a Lamborghini Veneno or a mere $2 million on a Chambord Liqueur Royale de France. But...

...if you want to make a smart investment compared to overpriced tea bags, pineapples and dog collars, one that won't make your friends think you've lost the plot or your kids panic that you're squandering their inheritance, then look no further. Invest in a luxury Caribbean property which at $3million is reasonable considering the above purchases. What's more, when it comes to luxury properties, you will be hard pushed to find anywhere better and more exclusive than Sugar Beach in St Lucia.

The world-famous UNESCO protected World Heritage site in St Lucia has been transformed into Sugar Beach Residences, creating a rare, and I mean rare, opportunity to own a property in the finest resort in the Caribbean. Anyone, well anyone with a bit of money, can own a luxury property but you really would be the envy of all your friends (and pretty much everyone else for that matter) in one of these swanky pads nestled between the iconic Pitons.

Owners of these luxury Caribbean Residences have full access to five-star butler service (that’s right your own butler) and the rest of the resort's luxurious facilities. You can enjoy some of the finest food and relax in the Rainforest spa. Plenty of luxury houses have an infinity pool but imagine a cascading infinity pool overlooking the famous St Lucian Pitons.

You can buy as many dog collars or pineapples as you like but as there are only a handful of exclusive properties in Sugar Beach and because they are located in a protected area, this really is one of the rarest opportunities you will find.

What's more, a luxury property in Sugar Beach is nearly half of the cost of a comparable luxury property on other islands, such as Barbados. With the average two-bedroom Manhattan property going for around $2.5 million compared to a spacious luxurious six bedroom private spot of oasis - I know which I'd rather invest in.

So as we've seen there are plenty of ways to spend $3 million but the smart investor should definitely take a look at Sugar Beach Residences. And when you think about it, they’re not really all that expensive considering their location, the resort, finish, and exclusivity and lifestyle that comes with it.

Christmas Gift Guide: Men's Winter Warmers

Men are always the hardest to buy for, whether it's a boyfriend, brother, dad or just a friend - they're so bloody fussy! With women, it's easy but I find myself worrying for weeks before Christmas about what I'm going to buy for the men in my life. My brother used to be content with a Beano annual but I think at 22, he's a bit too old for that now.

As we had such a bad winter last year (it was still snowing in March!) and the price of gas has gone up, I thought it would be a good idea to have a look at a few winter warmers to get some gift ideas for Christmas. I know it's a bit early but for most people, there's only two paydays left until the big day so it's time to start getting some ideas!

I know my 15 year old cousin is a big fan of his onesie and I think that secretly, my brother would like one too. I lived in mine last year, they're so warm and cosy. I've found some great cheap mens onesies for winter, which will keep those miserable men warm during the colder months. I really love the reindeer print one I featured above. If I didn't think it would drown me, I'd definitely be buying it for yourself.

If you think you can't get away with buying a onesie, there's also a great selection of cheap mens Christmas jumpers. Every year I say I'm going to buy myself a Christmas jumper but I never get round to it before they sell out. This year, I'm going to get in there early and make sure I buy one. How cute is the snowman one I found?

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Mii makeup brushes

An important part of anyone's makeup routine is having the right brushes. If you want to do a job properly then you need the right tools and this means having high quality makeup brushes. You don't need to spend a fortune, but I do believe that you need four or five decent brushes to create a flawless finish. For me, the most important brushes are:

• Foundation brush
• Powder brush
• Blush brush
• Eyeshadow brush
• Eyebrow brush

Luckily, I've recently discovered the professional makeup range from Mii, which is not only affordable but is also of a very high quality. They have a great range of brushes including fabulous foundation brushes so you can get a makeup brush starter kit for around £100 which is a complete bargain and you know that they'll last you a long time. There's absolutely no point in wasting your money on cheaper alternatives when they're just going to shed hairs over your face and you're going to have to buy more brushes anyway.

What makeup brushes do you use? Have you ever tried any from Mii?

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MaryJane Fashion leggings

When it starts getting colder, you want to keep warm but still look stylish but it's hard when you're layered up and wearing a huge coat! The best way to look stylish during the colder months is by dressing up your bottom half as that's the part that will be on show. It's too cold for skirts and dresses, so jeans and leggings are the way to go. I've found a great selection of Womens Jeggings from MaryJane fashion and they start at just £7.99! How gorgeous are the plum pair? They add a great pop of colour to your outfit and they'd look fantastic with a pair of black ankle boots, they're the perfect colour for this season. They look like jeans but are made of a much softer material so you'll still be comfortable and stylish at the same time. More importantly, you'll be kept warm.

If you're feeling more adventurous, printed leggings are great for winter. I really love the tartan and the floral pairs. They'd look amazing with a plain tshirt and a black cardigan with some ankle boots, they're a real statement piece. They're also a great alternative to tights and you could wear them under a plain black dress.

What do you think of jeggings and printed leggings? Will you be wearing them this season?

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Halloween Fancy Dress

Halloween is just around the corner and I know that everyone loves an excuse to dress up. I don't usually do anything for Halloween and this year I will be on my way back from Paris/probably too exhausted to do anything but I have been having a look at costumes and have had some great ideas as to what I would dress up as if I got a last minute invitation to a party.

The bacon costume is just hilarious - who doesn't love bacon? It could also double up as a Lady Gaga costume if you add a blonde wig. The history geek in me also loves the Queen Elizabeth I costume. It's not really scary or practical for a night out clubbing but I think it's brilliant. With all of the hype around the Great Gatsby this year, 1920s fancy dress is a great option too. I adore this gold flapper girl costume.

Elliot's fancy dress have a lot of great options, whether you want scary, funny or sexy. So, if you're looking for Halloween fancy dress in Belfast, you should definitely make sure you check them out!

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3.1 Phillip Lim at Avenue 32

3.1 Phillip Lim is a brand that I have always lusted after, ever since I found out about them a few years ago. The label has been around since 2005 and is famed for its classic styling without any branding or logos. Although I love almost anything from the label, the two things I find myself dreaming about most often are the gorgeous bags, particularly the satchels and the shoes that they have to offer. I thought I'd put together a selection of my favourite 3.1 Phillip Lim items to show you.

The first bag that I want to share with you is the Black Croc Pashli Satchel. If you know me, you'll know I love big bags and this one is perfect! It has a handle and a shoulder strap so you can also hold it in the crook of your arm as well as carry it over your shoulder. The black croc is such a classic design and will never age, it will go with any outfit and is great for any occasion.

The second bag is the Burgundy Mini Pashli Satchel which is a smaller version of the first one and comes in this gorgeous burgundy and white, which is absolutely perfect for autumn. This smaller bag would be perfect for work or as an everyday handbag.

The third bag is the Black Python Ryder Shoulder Bag which is not to my usual taste but I couldn't help but fall in love with this. I think the colours are gorgeous for this season and I love the shape of it. It also looks like I'd be able to fit a lot in it, which is fantastic!

The first pair of shoes I want to share with you are these gorgeous 45mm Black Leather Alexa Boots. They're such a classic design and will last years and years as they will never go out of fashion and they're also such amazing quality. They will go with any outfit and are smart enough for work too.

After boots, loafers are my favourite type of shoes and these 40mm Rose Gold Quinn Loafers are just perfect. Loafers are so stylish and comfortable and what more can you want than stylish, comfortable, rose gold loafers?

The final pair of shoes are the 100mm Black Leather Vincent Mules, which are such a unique design. They'd look great with a midi skirt and a jacket for work or with a pair of cuffed skinny jeans. They're more of a summer shoe but they'd still work now while the weather is still quite warm.

All of these items can be found on the Avenue 32 website, along with a lot of other gorgeous collections from different labels. Now I just need to win the lottery so I can buy them all!

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Top tips for selling on eBay

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I've been making a lot of money on ebay recently from selling unwanted gifts and old clothes that I don't wear anymore. I've had a lot of people asking me how I do it, so I thought I'd share my top tips with you.

- Always start your auctions off at 99p - it may not seem a lot but people will be more tempted to bid on an item if it has a low starting price, that's how bidding wars begin. Plus, listings are usually free when you start them at 99p!

- Sunday nights are the best time for your auctions to end as it's when a lot of people are online after a busy weekend, so I tend to start mine off on a Thursday, on a ten day listing or on a Sunday, on a seven day listing.

- The price of postage nowadays is ridiculous, but I've found ways to send my items for less than what Royal Mail is charging. Check out Delivery Quote Compare to find the best and cheapest way to send your items.

- Always make sure your title is as descriptive as possible, this makes it easier for people to come across your listing. Instead of 'Green dress' try 'Green  Topshop jersey skater dress, size 8' - you'll find that you have a lot more views and bids.

- Don't overcharge on postage - you'll end up with bad feedback or you'll put potential buyers off bidding on your items.

- Do make sure that you charge enough for postage though. You're the one that will end up losing out if you put it too low.

- Make sure your photos are clear and show the item well. A blurry, out of focus photo won't make anyone want to buy your item. Also try to take them from different angles so potential buyers can see what the item really looks like.

- Be completely honest about the quality and condition of the item you are listing, you're risking bad feedback if you're not!

Cash for your clothes?

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Since moving back home after uni, I've had to get rid of a lot of clothes because I spent quite a lot of my time in Primark and New Look instead of writing essays on Roman Britain, oops! 

I'm sure a lot of you have been there - you've got a bulging wardrobe, your chest of drawers is overflowing and you've started to move on to a floordrobe but you still have NOTHING TO WEAR. When you need an easy way to get rid of the clothes you never wear but also want a bit of cash to buy new ones, that's when you can turn to Music Magpie.

All you need to do is fill in the details of what you want to get rid of on the website and they'll tell you how much your stuff is worth. You can then choose to get a courier to pick up your unwanted items or drop them off at one of the 5000 shops and then once Music Magpie have received your items, they'll send you your money. You can do it without even leaving your house, how brilliant is that? It also saves you on the fees that you'd usually get when selling online and you don't have to pay for any postage.

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Top tips for healthy hair.

Hair extensions are not something that I've ever considered before but now I've had my hair cut pretty short (see the photo in my sidebar!) it's something I would probably think about if I need a fancy hair do for an event. Pauls Hair World offer an amazing selection of gorgeous, European hair extensions so you're always likely to find a set that suits your hair type/colour. They've got everything from straight to curly to ombre/dip dye. They also have feather extensions! The good thing about extensions is you can get the length and style you want without having to damage your hair, that's what I love about the curly extensions.

Since having all of my dead ends cut off, I've vowed to spend more time looking after my hair so it doesn't end up in such bad condition again. There's nothing like having a head of healthy hair! To make sure my hair is kept at it's best, I like to use a number of deep conditioners once a week and I always make sure I use a heat protecting spray before I apply any heat to my locks. My favourite type of conditioner is anything involving coconut oil - as well as smelling gorgeous, it nourishes the hair really well, leaving it soft and shiny and in a fantastic condition. I also like to use a hair oil just before I blow dry and then again when my hair is dry, just to tame any frizz. All of the above products are some of my favourites, click here to shop online at Pauls Hair World.

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Introducing: Little Mistress at Littlewoods

I often spend most of my time online window shopping, but I tend to stick to the same brands. However, Little Mistress is a brand that I've only recently discovered but I really wanted to share a few pieces from their collection at Littlewoods with you because there really are some brilliant, affordable items.

How luxurious is this pyjama set? I love pyjamas with shorts instead of trousers and these pink silk style ones are gorgeous, they're perfect for the transition from summer in to autumn when it's still quite warm at night.

This coral dress is perfect for a night out with the girls,  I love the sequin and lace panel in the middle and you can glam it up with some silver bangles and wear some sky-high heels for a really eye-catching look. It would also look fantastic with some gladiator sandals for a daytime holiday look.

Little Mistress also have a great selection of underwear, from bras and briefs to basques. This gorgeous navy  lace basque is so flattering on any body shape and comes in a range of sizes. I love the lace detailing on the front.

This white lace long sleeved top is really versatile -  it looks great dressed with skinny jeans and heels for a coffee date or it could also be dressed up for the evening with some leather look trousers and platforms. It would also look fab tucked into a skater skirt with some pumps for a more casual daytime look.

What do you think about the pieces I've shared with you today? Have you bought anything from Little Mistress before?

This post was written in collaboration with Littlewoods

A/W Outfit from John Lewis and White Stuff

Grey top - Raspberry jeans - Dark grey coat - Black Cambridge boots - Aspinal of London satchel 

I know I keep harping on about it, but I'm so excited for autumn! I'm just hoping August hurries up and disappears because I've got so much to look forward to in September and October. As well as my birthday and a trip to Paris, there's also a number of exciting events including the John Lewis press day which I can't wait to attend!

 As I'm so excited, I've been looking on the John Lewis website for some inspiration and I've put together an outfit for the coming seasons. The colder months are all about layering and keeping warm, so I've gone for brightly coloured jeans (dull weather doesn't mean dull clothing!), a simple grey top and a warm double-breasted grey coat which is both smart and practical. All three of these are from the White Stuff concession and are available both in store and online. I've completed the look with this gorgeous pair of leather Cambridge style boots and an Aspinal of London satchel (well, a girl can dream!) which I was recently admiring in the Oxford Street store. I love tan satchels, I think they go well with any outfit.

What do you think of this outfit? Is it something that you'd wear?

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