As mentioned in my last post, I'm trying not to be an enormous cliche this month. I can't tell you about my resolutions because after a half-as*ed attempt to write some I really don't have any (other than to spend more time with less people, as 2016 showed me I'd got that a little bit wrong - ooh and also "have pride in your tribe" which is an awesome, awesome motto). Having looked at lots of blogs this month I really can't compete with their wonderfulness, so instead I'm going down the route of things that will help you cope rather than get you inspired...

So, above are some things getting me through the month. Firstly, colour is key. At home and on my face. For the former my cushions from Bluebell Grey and Elizabeth Scarlett look lovely on my otherwise neutral sofa (which as lots of you on Instagram ask me, if from Made here). I've spent a huge amount of time curled up on it reading. Chosen reads are:

1. The Glitter Plan - The business story behind Juicy Couture. Someone recommended this to me and I initially rolled my eyes; the brand isn't for me. But there are some really good pointers and it's written in a very lighthearted, honest and funny way. Enjoyable and inspirational without getting too "business"...
2. Gut - I was bought this for Christmas and was sceptical; not the most alluring title is it? However, this book has been a revelation. From explaining what an appendix is for, to helping me understand why very specific foods make me feel queasy - it's on it. A must read (and you'll never want to eat sugar again) ...
3. Red Herring and White Elephants - An oldie but a goodie, I found this in the cupboard the other day. A really good stop-and-start book listing where all our expressions come from (hence the title). You'll be an annoying know-it-all when you finish, but you'll be excellent at a dinner party with weird and wonderful facts...
4. Carpe Diem notepad - not exactly a read, but I'm giving a go at writing things down and found this lovely notepad in White Stuff who have started doing home stuffs. Recommend a look, here.

Candles are key for January and I've become obsessed with Diptyque's Tubereuse candle here ever since I acquired it - it's fast running out. It really does prove that paying a little more for a good candle is worth it; when we burn it we can smell it down the hall from our flat the minute we walk up the stairs! I've got my eye on the room spray too which is slightly cheaper, here. Secondly the Origins Feel Good candle here was a gift from the Estee Lauder team. It's got pine and orange in it and is super invigorating. When I've felt a bit peaky it's really given me a lift, so I definitely recommend it!

Annnnnd for beauty, this month is all about fast, quick, albeit lazy stuff that makes you look fab. Quickly. I still swear by my Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser as it transforms my skin and general appearance in seconds. Yes it's expensive but if you are going to invest in anything surely its your face? Find it here. Combine that with Tom Ford's amazing eyebrow mascara and you're already prepped to leave the house, trust me. Find it here (and don't just find it, but it, this really is that good). I'm trying to remember to wear lipstick and this Lancome Caprice red is currently the favourite. Its bright, it's fun and it makes Mondays more interesting.

Other products I've mentioned in my Instagram's recently include; Clarins' clear lip gloss here which stays on all day - works to heal cracked lips and make them look banging... Benefit's ultimate lazy girl eye shadow palette here. You use the sponge applicator to swipe across the 3 colour options and do the same on your lids. Bam - smoky eyes done in seconds. And YSL's gorgeous illuminating cream to create the illusion you have been outside seen the sun recently, here.

Ooh and you should try and smell nice because it makes you feel good. Simples. Gus bought me the Chloe perfume for Christmas and it's so happy, delicate and pretty that I feel gorgeous when I'm wearing it - I'd never have picked it out as it looks very, very girly. Find it here. For him, I was kindly sent a new scent from Jo Malone's selection called Myrrh and Tonka. It smells insane. Insane. I am like a cat on heat when I smell it and friends on Twitter have said the same. So buy it for your "him" now, here.

Next; we can't ignore the fact that January is a great time to go shopping. As 2016 was one of the most up and down global economic climates, we consumers didn't buy as much as the retailers thought. This means there are huge surpluses of stock that need shifting. In real terms that means big discounts for us, and more things going into sale than usual. This is good. As I've been at home for the last few days I've cleared out four bin bags of clothes and taken them to Cancer Research on Hampstead High Street - and also listed as much as stuff as eBay would let me. I'm going to use these new found funds (through the £100s I make on the listings...) to buy a few things for the new year - because January is dull AF and we all need a little lift, no?

click link to shop: indigo jeans, Topshop (so cheap) / cashmere scarf, Topshop / sequin top, Topshop /leopard print pumps, Net A Porter (Saint Laurent and so discounted) / black buttoned top, Net A Porter /cream peasant top, Zara / cashmere cream jumper, Topshop / taupe culottes, Reiss / cream v neck knit, Whistles / wave tassle skirt, Whistles / one shoulder top, Whistles / cold shoulder black top, Whistles / 

I found a lot, scouring my favourite places; Zara, Net A Porter, Topshop, Reiss and Whistles. I can't go through everything but here is a little summary. First up, denim. Sadly I missed the phenomenon that is the Selfridges Denim sale (seriously  this is the one sale you cannot miss - there are a few odds and sods (look out for Paige, AG and Levis) still available here. The White Company still have some awesome ones left too, here. This Zara top is complete bargain at £17.99, especially when you compare to the Etoile Isabel Marant version here which (in the sale) is still £120. Speaking of designer stuff, never rule out Net A Porter during sale time. Their discounts are big, especially this year. These Isabel Marant shoes are £114, their J Crew stuff starts at £24, and staples like this MiH breton tee and this Solid and Stripe crop top are things I've been after for ages (I always stock up a wish-list just before the sales and then shop from there, much easier). One more thing, if you're after a solid knit look no further than this Tibi knit, reduced from £400 to £120.

Whistles is great for solid staples with a bit of something extra. For example this one shoulder dress (reduced from £220 to £50) is a great failsafe, as is this one shoulder top (really good solid staple, with a bit of something extra).  Reiss sales are always really good because everything goes into them. I can't believe this dress has gone in as it was a bestseller, and only £95! Furthermore their skirts and work-type selection is fantastic - this skirt for £55, these culottes and this roll neck for £25 really does show quite how strong the discounts are.

other solid finds: black boyfriend jeans, Topshop / multicolour knit, Topshop /  ruffle top, Topshop / metallic black jacket, Topshop /  red and white peasant top, Net A Porter / grey stripe tee shirt, Net A Porter / grey sweater, Net A Porter / ribbed knit, Net A Porter /  /  cream crochet top, Net A Porter  

Lastly, I haven't included them in the collages but don't forget about bikinis in the winter sales as they really drop in price. She Made Me was the brand of 2016 and this mint green bikini, this cream and this red two piece is amazing... Over and out.

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.

I'm slightly concerned that I've become obsessed with jumpsuits. Given that a year ago I'd ruled them out as options only for the "long and lean" I've acquired quite the collection. This one from Madewell (J Crew's funky little sister) made the perfect weekend outfit when I had to mix bouncing around town with meeting the girls for drinks in the evening.

I love the fit of it; the wide leg, the peep hole (wearing a normal bra with this and it doesn't show), the elastic waist... It was really, really comfortable and got a lot of "ooooooh where is that froms" with the girls...  Not a bad price either considering it's an entire outfit. I could go on but I'll make it easy for you; buy it here.

I wore it during the day with my white Birkenstocks... Are they still cool or have they gone back into "mum" territory? To be honest I don't really care, but good to know. For the evening I swapped them for my new pumps from L.K.Bennett. It won't come as any surprise to long term readers of the blog that they are the Floret shape as I love them and have quite a few pairs. This shade of blue is just brilliant, I'm wearing them to death and they still look like new... Get them here, and I have my idea on their apple green ones here too. 

Accessories wise, I never stray far from Astley Clarke and these Gucci sunglasses are my favourites (which says something as I have quite a few pairs now). It's not the first time I've blogged about them and they're past season now, but I'd really recommend Gucci as an eyewear brand as they're really nice to wear... See their collection here. For cheaper options, ASOS have some really nice floral print ones here.

We're off on our Italian road trip this week and this whole outfit will most definitely be coming with me, it's super easy to wear and really doesn't take much to pull off. I was a bit unsure about the peep hole in the middle but find it really flattering, in reality not many people are chubby on that part of their body so its actually really nice to show some skin...

shop Madewell at Net A Porter here

jumpsuit = jumpsuit, Madewell at Net A Porter / available in smaller sizes here / similar from ASOS here / similar from RI here

shoes = white birkenstocks / 

sunglasses = Gucci selection / ASOS selection 

It's all in the title to be honest! Here is the very best of the 2016 summer sales. I'll update them as more retailers go into sale, but I thought it might be useful for you to see options broken down by brand. As a tip, I always "add to basket" my favourites so I can literally log in and shop straight away... Some of my favourite pieces from this year have been incredibly heavily marked down- enjoy!

Topshop

Topshop sales are always worth a gander. However can I just say; how good is that feeling when you've bought something recently and then sale starts, but the piece you bought didn't go in? That's how I feel about this dress. I'm obsessed with it, but if had been marked down I'd have been PISSED. This one IS in the sale though - and it's now mine and on it's way...

links to products:
mom jeans / black tie up flats / green dress / navy bomber jacket / dotty dress / white jumper with shirt detail / green boiler suit / sleeveless blazer / floral vest (£12!) / monochrome slip dress / cream heels 

First things first; denim. Topshop are good at it. Really good. I swear by their mom jeans and have two pairs now, including these that are now £20 or these classics for £25. If you're after an easy-wear pair that'll look good on Sundays with sweaters but also Thursday nights with heels, these are for you. Next up, dresses and stuff. I love this monochome print dress and for £18 it's awesome, and same goes for this LBD. This sleeveless blazer is awesome, I have one very similar and it's great to throw on over a shirt or tee in this WTF-weather. Oooh and this floral vest is amazing for £12.

High street brand sales are really good for picking up pieces from the fast-trends that don't seem to be going away. For example; bomber jackets. Everyone is still wearing them, but they won't be around for ever. This navy one for £20 is a brilliant way to get in on the look. Same goes for green jumpsuits, and this one is superb. Lastly, flouncy sleeved dresses are all the rage at the moment too, this dress is a perfect "way in." Footwear wise, we all know Toppers is the place to go to get designer copies. These Aquazzura flats are now dirt cheap, as these Kenzo silk espadrilles. These cream heels are amazing fail-safes for summer outfits too...

Reiss


link to products
red embroidered top (75% off) / black waxed jeans / green silk dress / black one shoulder dress / halterneck dress / blue leather jacket / blue suede leather jacket / printed shorts / marcel bag / black neoprene heels / white skirt / belts / taupe knitted jumper / silk vest / red leather purse / black bag

The Reiss sale is not to be missed. Everyone knows they're good for dresses, but their footwear and tailoring pieces are really strong too. Starting in our comfort zone, this green silk dress is the perfect 'work to play' or good for those events that you just don't know how dressed to be. LBD wise their are two showstoppers; this one shoulder dress is timeless, and this halterneck (I already have it) is literally the most flattering item in my wardrobe. Other good wedding/event staples include; this taupe sheer dress, this sky blue shift and this long sleeved rose gold number.

Hidden gems like this top for £50 are too good to miss, and this white skirt, these belts... and Reiss are good at leather and this blue jacket can't be passed up, especially at that price. I have one from four seasons ago that just gets better with age. These shorts are super good, and don't forget that things like knitwear are heavily reduced in summer; this taupe chunky knit and this navy sweater are excellent buys.

These black waxed biker jeans are a really good staple for anyone trying to look a little bit slicker (as opposed to plain jeans). The photo above doesn't do the fit justice, they are a gorgeous shape - buy your regular size here. Accessories wise, well where to start!? This Marcel bag is so lush, these black neoprene heels are awesome, I have these and they're super comfy - and this leather purse is butter soft and should really be more expensive...

Net A Porter

Net A Porter, the website of DREAMS. Here is a round up (apologies if this waffles but I'm shopping as I type and getting a bit excited): If you've read my wedding guest outfit edit you'll have seen my Ode to Needle and Thread. Some of the dresses featured are now heavily reduced, like this maxi dress and this top - shop the whole selection here, no excuse not to... Isabel Marant is always well marked down; suddenly the cost justification (lets be honest, Zara copies it very well) seems worthwhile when it's half price. This jacket (much lusted for, much copied) is half price, and this black top is awesome as a summer basic. The Elizabeth and James jumper worn on many a street style muse last fashion week (Palermo etc) is also in the sale in all colours; grey, white and pink.

Popular brands like Self Portrait here and J Crew here are (surprisingly) included. 40% off some of the best selling frocks of 2016 really is pretty special, don't miss pieces like this and this. J Crew essentials like this denim shirt and these cargo pants are half price...

Accessories wise some brands you never see discounted are included; Larsson and Jennings watches, and Ray-Ban sunglasses (and the classic shapes, amazing...)! As for footwear, some of the pieces that have gone into sale I just don't understand as I'd have thought they'd have sold out my now. Sam Edelman (the sandal brand of 2016 in my opinion) has reduced these to under £80 and these to £45 (FORTY FIVE POUNDS PEOPLE). These Giuseppe Zanotti espadrilles are 40% off, and these Aquazzura sandals are too... Say, what?!

J Crew

Ahh the J Crew sale, because who in their right mind would shop with these guys full price? We're all well aware of the dollar-to-pound changeover if we shop over the pond and we're not prepared to shop without it. Am I right ladies!? J Crew is the place for basics, whether you like or loathe their stores. I use the sale to refresh my basics and bring in some new core staples.

Links to product:
embroidered linen top / red and white sun dress / grey and white stripe tee / grey silk cami / orange scalloped cami / yellow off the shoulder tee / khaki silk shirt / blue stripe shirt / pink Elsie heels / palm print embellished shoes / striped mac trench / brown leather cross body bag / ring trio set

It will come as no surprise that I start with stripes; these Breton shirts start at £24 and as the proud owner of them all I can say they're super good even 50 washes down. Next on the list are their camisole tops which are worth the (reduced) investment; the simple Carrie shape and the scalloped Carrie cami are brilliant pieces to wear over and over again - available in a variety of colours! Thir coats and jackets are renown for being strong and this striped mac is the actual dream, particularly now it's £60 cheaper... Finally for the basics, their shirts are the best around and this stripe shirt and this khaki silk one are going to be my new everything. Other excellent summer staples include this sun dress (can't believe it's not Dodo Bar Or - brand of the moment), the yellow off the shoulder tee and this embroidered linen top, both 30% off.

Footwear and accessories wise, the sale is very good. Classic, staple shapes like the Elsie pump and their palm print sisters are an excellent starting block if you've never owned shoes from them before as they're half price. This crossbody is ace as a day bag and this set of three rose gold rings are incredibly good value.

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