Eeeek it's party dressing time. My worst nightmare... I really hate being told how to dress, particularly when I plan to consume the intake of a small country over the course of the next few days, so usually pyjamas are the way forward. I'm also not really all that dressy... So when Topshop asked me to pick my favourite festive look I initially thought it was going to be tough. Then I found an outfit that makes me feel so carelessly Ziggy Stardust that I'm positively relishing wearing heels inside (seriously, it's the only day we ever do that isn't it?!) this weekend...

For those of you who wear tonnes of colour all the time I apologise, I get that this outfit isn't off-the-scale-groundbreaking. However for me, the idea of wearing sequins is a bit of a revolution. I follow a blogger called Fran who mentioned on Instagram that she was seeking out an all-sequin top and it set the idea in my mind. Then I found this! It's brilliant and so fun to wear, particularly around babies who just stare at you for hours on end. As a further point, it's fitted around your shoulders and then loose everywhere else... So no post-lunch pain.

outfit credits at the base of this post

Next, frayed denim. Followers of my Twitter will no I've been harping on about getting a pair for ages. I originally wanted this pair from Net A Porter but they were so, so expensive. As much as I believe in investing in denim when something is so trend focussed as opposed to a solid investment piece, I just couldn't justify/afford to buy them. Then I found this pair from Topshop and knew I had to have them. They're fun without being mental, and they make denim party-acceptable.

For anyone nervous around sizing (buying Topshop jeans has been known to cause a breakout of hives over sizing) I bought my regular size and although it took an initial wrestle to get them on, they now fit perfectly. As a side note, old people really like these jeans. A lovely lady at the post office told me they were wonderful when I was dropping off some packages last week and it made my week. Find them here, and I've put a couple of colour options at the base of this post.

outfit credits at the base of this post

Accessories wise, I got my red stuff out. It is Christmas after all. My shoes were from a super fun project earlier in the year, find them here. I save them for special occasions which is stupid given how much they cost, I really need to get my cost-per-wear out of them. The block heel is really good for parties as you stand up for ages and look like you made an effort. Bag wise followers of my Instagram (if not do so here, pretty please) will already know what this is = my precious L.K.Bennett x Boyarde Mariel bag (here) and initial stickers (here), which if you are looking for a last minute gift is most definitely the way forward...

Whatever you are doing over Christmas I really hope you have a wonderful time. I'll take this as a little opportunity to say thank you so much for all your hits, clicks and support with the blog this year. I really considered stopping blogging this summer but you guys and your positive words have kept me going and I'm back to loving it again. So thank you from me and from Lopez (who can, thanks to you, continue to eat his organic chicken for dinner and would otherwise be back to Pedigree chum).

Outfit details (click links to go through to their site)

sequin top = as worn, Topshop 

jeans = as worn, Topshop / similar in black here / similar in dark blue

shoes = as worn, Chloe at Net A Porter

bag = as worn. L.K.Bennett / initial stickers, L.K.Bennett

This post was in collaboration with Topshop, all content my own -without editing or input. Photos shot using the Canon 5D available at John Lewis, by Ben.

Welcome to my local! When we decided on Hampstead this pub was one of the reasons were we so set on our apartment. Located just up the hill from the tube, you feel a world away from London and more as if you are living in a village 50 miles outside of the capital. If you're looking for somewhere for a girly catch up, Sunday roast or date night - make this place your destination. 

All the locals know each other which feels really lovely and is quite unusual for London. Having a dog massively helps as we walk around the area a great deal, but having only been here for a few months we've already met some brilliant people. When we went away for a couple of weeks in July, it was nice to know the neighbours had realised we were missing... 

I haven't really gone into depths about what I do for a living yet. I'm pretty sure most are assuming I am a "kept woman" as I go to Pilates in the mid mornings and seem to have a infinite number of shopping deliveries and couriers. In a way, I kind of like it. That said, it is making me a little more hesitant about being seen having my photo taken. When these were shot (with Lindsey last week) I was trying my best not to be spotted doing them, whilst "getting the shot" at the same time...

I've started to make a bit of an effort with heels as I really, really see a difference in my posture and appearance when I do bother. Being only 5 foot 4 and quite curvy I can easily look short and dumpy, and wearing even just a little heel really makes a difference. These pumps are the Chloe ones that I've had for a while. I felt guilty over their cost but my god they're comfy. If you can have a splurge, make it on these (or even the new season darker ones here). Aside from their beautifulness, the block heel has also opened up a whole new world to me. Since buying them I've realised how easy the style is to wear, and have picked up lots of them including these super fun ASOS babies here.

I've also discovered the benefits of a high waisted jean having assumed they were meant for the skinnier, taller of my kind. In fact, when I wear them paired with a cropped top or shirt it seems to elongate my jeans and make my waist look smaller. Especially when paired with a heel. These ones are my old faithfuls from Topshop. They come in a variety of washes, these are the "vintage" wash (find them here).

The shirt is a new addition, also from Topshop. I've had a black one for about five years and had been looking for a white version for ages. I've been wearing it with jeans like this, but also with my pencil and midi skirts for work. It's actually not that see through, I've got a nude vest on underneath here and you can't see it at all! Get yours here, see this cheaper version here, or if you're feeling bold they've done a rust and gold coloured one that I've got my eye on here and want to get, very Gucci-like!

After spending twenty minutes trying to subtly take these snaps in front of the pub, we went straight in started the weekend with a shandy. Whatever you've been up this weekend I hope you had a great time and made the most of the last of this year's sunshine!

shoes = as worn, Chloe at Net A Porter / similar flats here / similar heeled here

sunglasses = as worn, Max and Co

bag = as worn, Celine at Bicester Village / find a brilliant second hand selection here

jeans = as worn, Levi at Bicester Village / same fit here / try these ASOS ones too

top = as worn, Gap / in black / in white

I'm taking you back to Italy in this post - have been itching to put this content up for weeks! Whilst we were visiting the Amalfi Coast one hotel kept on being mentioned - Hotel Caruso. When availability came up for a night we literally rearranged our holiday plans to make the visit, and were not disappointed to do so AT all.

I mean, you only need to look here to see how unique and incredible this hotel is - give me another place in the world with a view like that? We arrived and went straight for a dip (how could you not) before enjoying a bottle of bubbles in the room overlooking the very same view - here is a picture.

It's very much a boutique hotel, so even when at full capacity (which it invariably is, unsurprisingly) it doesn't feel crowded and guests have their own patches of grass by the pool overlooking the view and right by the extremely relaxed bar. In the evenings you can dine inside the hotel or at the incredible Belvedere restaurant - we did this and were blown away with the quality of the food, service and, of course, the views.

When you're somewhere as special as this, you need to dress for the occasion. I got this Zimmermann dress a couple of weeks before the trip and was dying to wear it. I'm not usually a girly girl, as a kid I was the one with the mullet hair cut wearing blue and playing with my train set and Lego, but this really brought out an inner princess I didn't know I had. It's so comfortable, the cut out is in just the right place so I felt amazing in it... If you make one special purchase this summer, let it be this (totally get its expensive so put a couple of similar high street ones at the base of this post).

The shoes you've seen before and thats because I live in them. Such a brilliant purchase. Look designer, cost nothing. I could run around all day in them too...They're from Mango here, but look like absolute copies of the Chloe ones here. They're now even cheaper than when I bought them - £12.99, do it (I'm itching for the black ones, here)!

I really cannot recommend the hotel enough, it was a highlight of our trip. From start to finish it was absolute perfection. Our room was gorgeous, the bathroom was the size of my flat (we spent hours in the tub drinking champagne watching Entourage #thuglifechoseme) and little finishing touches like chocolates on your pillow before bed really make it the luxurious stay you'd want...

Those of you who have started following me on Snapchat (annaelerihart) will know the last week was pretty full on... Moving house, balancing work with all the stuff that goes with not being able to find spoons or hairbrushes in the 2000 boxes you've piled into your living room, and remembering to do things like be a dog mummy is actually pretty tiring. As a bit of a treat I decided to go "out out" for a couple of cocktails on Saturday evening to celebrate not having to change address for the foreseeable future (both of us have lived in three places this year, so we're staying put for a while) ...

I wore the dress I've actually picked out for one of the weddings this month - I don't really believe in buying something for one occasion (as my wedding guest dress edit here waxes lyrical about). It's from Reiss here, and is such an easy one to wear. The colour can be really dressed up or down depending on where you're going (for more of Reiss' mint offering see here). I love the fit of it; it sort of skims your shape rather than being tight or loose and I feel really confident in it - a rare thing in any kind of formal/fancy clothing.

I'm going to wear my bright blue L.K.Bennett shoes (here, and they're super reduced now, annoyingly for me) with it a the wedding, paired with this Mango clutch I bought yesterday (see the base of this post for my edit on Mango's clutch bag offering as it's the best in the business at the moment...). Equally, mint green looks great with denim so you could wear it for date nights with a jean jacket (my favourite one is from River Island here) and flat pumps rather than going totally "dressed up."

outfit details at the base of this post

With this outfit I wore my new Mango shoes (also a purchase yesterday) which I am delighted with. For a start just take a look at how similar they are to these Chloe ones, which are £500 more expensive. As someone who owns both "types" I can honestly say the Mango ones do not seem all that different... And they're £24.99 here (flat versions here). Ooh and underwear wise, I've been testing out how durable this Marks and Spencer adhesive strapless bra is - and give it a firm 10 out of 10... No strap at the back and keeps everything where it should be!

Last but not least, the jewellery. Without outfits like this it's the accessories that really do the work. My Astley Clarke bracelets stack is my fail safe and luckily the gems I have pair really well with the colour of this dress. They actually have a sale on at the moment so pieces like this gold/woven one and this bright blue charm piece are half price - take a look at the full collection here. Other important mentions include my pinky ring which I made at The Workbench earlier this year (seriously wish I was spending my Sunday doing this today, such a cool way to spend a few hours) and my Monica Vinader Riva ring - a gift from my late grandmother for my 30th...

dress, Reiss / other mint green Reiss options / similar maxi style
bra (not seen!), marks and spencer

clutch bag, Mango (less than £10) / similar here / similar here

shoes, Mango (in the sale) / similar/identical to these Chloe shoes / flat equivalent

bracelets, Astley Clarke / moon charm bracelet, Astley Clarke / green snowdrop bracelet, Astley Clarke / ring, Monica Vinader / signet ring, The Workbench

We have a new home. It seemed like we had been waiting forever and would never get there, but we're finally in (thank you to Chestertons in Hampstead for being the most proactive and useful estate agents I've ever come across). I say "we" have moved in, the boy had cleverly picked this weekend to go on a 3 day stag do in France... So having picked up the keys to the new place (all over on Snapchat if you fancy: annaelerihart) Lindsey and I put on some heels and went to the pub for a celebratory beer... 

The weather has been a bit off recently. We had a glimpse of summer and just when we'd got ourselves ready for it, it went. My jeans have been really handy for the stop-start sun... They're my favourite fit from Topshop; the mom jean that you already know I live in. When the brand asked me to pick out some of my favourite summer transition pieces they really stood out as they're a bit more interesting that plain jeans, yet aren't overly "in your face" patterned... Get them here. I bought some lovely little white vests to go with them, which it was a bit too chilly to shoot but will be making an appearance soon. (NB - buy your regular size and take the pain of the first couple of hours of them being too tight, they stretch...).

The shoes... ahhh the shoes. My beautiful Chloe pumps here. I'm so pleased with these, and so glad I got them in red as my inner-neutral self really wanted the taupe coloured ones. They're perfect for a little bit of a statement... I've found some high street similars here and here in black and white for £20 so I bought those as well so I have the best of both worlds!  As a note, they come up small. I am always a size 4, as these are, and after one wear the suede stretches a little so I needed an insole... So if you are treating yourself, go a size down.

embroidered jean, here / similar here (darker denim) / similar here (slightly cheaper)

top, iris and ink / similar here (in white)

shoes, Chloe / similar here / similar here (£20!)

sunglasses, Fendi 

I don't need to tell you anymore about my Morocco trip, at risk of being unfollowed and/or blocked on the internets (but it was so awesome, just so awesome). However, one of the reasons for the trip hasn't been fully explained. When we were asked by Net A Porter to show our readers our favourite summer wardrobe pieces we thought we'd tie it all in together and shoot it whilst away... Our first job (isn't it ridiculous that this is a work task) was to pick out a pair of shoes that we thought could carry us through the season...

I picked out these Chloe heels, I'd been after them for ages and when this opportunity came up I doubt the girls at Net had ever been emailed back in a quicker time! For me, they really do with everything. They're the reverse-neutral; they have so many colours in them you can wear them with anything. I can also report that they really are incredibly comfortable. I completely understand that they're a high price point but it's good to treat yourself once in a while, no? If you really can't stretch that far, fear not, Topshop have made some dead ringer heels here and flats here.

What was really important to me in this post was to show readers that Net A Porter isn't all £5000 dresses (although it is fun to have a look at these, do so here). They do have some really good price-conscious options too. I get a lot of my basics from them, by that I mean pieces I pay a little more than high street for but for good reason as I'm going to live in them for seasons to come. This MiH Jeans skirt is the perfect example. As long as my aging knees will let me, I'll be wearing this with everything from flowing printed shirts to little vests and tees.. 

The vest is gorgeously soft and from Rag and Bone. Very much thought of as the epitome of urban New York, its often forgotten that the force behind this brand are British expats. I count them as one of the best for buying my staple "must haves." This vest's chunky knit is such a cool finishing touch, and I love it. I've worn it constantly since getting my mitts on it. Find it here. 

I wore my failsafe jewellery pieces; my Astley Clarke bracelets never come off! I have a couple of new additions though; my turquoise moon charm bracelet might just be my new favourite thing ever. Other bangles include a simple string with a charm my parents bought me in Spain, and my Halcyon Days gold cuff... Definitely helps me get the whole "boho" vibe going... My pinky finger has a new friend too, and it's very special. My boyfriend and I made it! We went to The Workbench London a few months ago and spent an evening creating our design. It was his Christmas present to me, and a very good one at that... 

Shoes: Chloe Knotted Sandal / similar Topshop Heels / similar Topshop flats

Vest: Rag and Bone vest / similar ASOS vest (£8!) / similar Moon River / ASOS vest

Skirt: MiH Jeans skirt / similar Mango one / similar Topshop Unique one

Jewellery: beaded bracelets, Astley Clarke / cuffs, Halcyon Days

Nails: white heat, Ciate London

Before we kick off, an apology. I am well aware I don't look my best in these photos. I've been feeling very under the weather all week, and watching back to back episodes of The Good Wife in an effort to get myself back up to speed. However, when these landed on my doorstep I couldn't not post about them as they completely made my week. So after a quick layer of bronzer and an eyebrow pencil, I nipped out to snap these...

I've always wanted a pair of Chloe scalloped pumps, always. When I worked in my last job I used to dribble over all of the pairs that came through our office. When Net A Porter asked me to pick a pair of my favourite Spring shoes there was no question it was going to be these. This particular style have a super block heel, making them that little bit more dressy... It's love.

I paired them with my all-time staples; a breton shirt (from Saint James at J Crew here) and my favourite pair of jeans (from Topshop, here). In my humble opinion you really can't go wrong with these two, I wear them both at least twice a week. I never thought I'd be so keen on a pair of Topshop jeans as I usually leave the store in tears whenever I try anything on my lower half in that store, but these are epic. The outfit looks accidentally very Parisian, which is no bad thing! In fact, on the subject, I'll hopefully be going there for the day next Tuesday...

The satchel is new from my friends at Cambridge Satchel Company. I'd been eyeing it up for a while, so when I found out I could get it personalised with my initials it tipped me over the edge, and here it is. I'm finding it super useful, its the perfect sized day bag (this is the larger of the two sizes). I can safely say that variations of this outfit will make up 80% of my Spring outfits...