At the weekend we went down to Somerset and when driving to our hotel spotted this field of bamboo (we think it was bamboo and will be happily corrected - this is what happens when two Londoners "do" the country). As I'm trying to be a little more "live now" I insisted on stopping the car to take some photos... So this is as real as it gets as this outfit really was what I was wearing on Sunday...

I was intending on holding back posting about this jacket for a while as it's going to be used in a bigger project next month. But I've worn it a great deal and lots of you have asked where it was from. So, with no further ado - it's from Jigsaw, here. I've never really got the whole shearling thing before; this is the first time I've ever had anything like it. I spotted it out when I did a store visit last week and knew we'd live happily ever after. I kind of thought shearling was just for super smart, super posh people. Not for people like me who dresses in whatever first falls off the wardrobe rail, and is a constant fight between her love of colourful foods and keeping white t shirts, white.

It turns out this is really very handy; I've worn it like I am here with jeans and trainers. Given it's such a dark colour I've been staggered at the number of people who have asked where it is from - clearly it's the thing to wear if you want to be noticed... As that isn't really a decision making point for me, let me list other perks = It's bl**dy warm, like seriously warm. As in you really notice that the bits of your body not covered in it are cold (I'm in the market for a onesie version if anyone knows of one). It's a neutral colour that won't go out of fashion. It's so soft; dogs really like cuddling in it...

first to last = 1, Jigsaw / 2. J Crew / 3. Warehouse / 4. Diane Von Furstenberg / 5. Reiss / 6. New Look

It's most definitely an investment, even though it is in the sale here. I can't recommend it enough so if you're in the market for a treat for yourself, go for it. As ever, I've done a bit of a run around to find good alternatives. Before I launch into the high street, a few designer bargains. This J Crew one is half price in the sale and twice the size - that's like x4 the bargain then, right? Secondly this DVF one is also half price... Cheaper options include this Warehouse one - may not be navy but cream is also a staple and having seen it in the flesh I can confirm it's insanely warm. Lastly if you're looking to just test out the look, this one is £22.

Other bits in the outfit basically sum up my Sunday style, if I have one. Essentially it's all about being comfy but looking decent enough to leave the house. I find quality knits are key and the one in these shots is new from Reiss, here. You can't really see in these photos, annoyingly, but this knit has really lovely two-tone neck and sleeves. It comes in black too (I've nabbed it already) which looks super slick for work, here. It's a super flattering cut - somehow even though it's oversize it still fits if that makes sense. You'll be seeing quite a lot of it in the next few posts...

Also want to give a little shout out to the jeans, here. They're also from Jigsaw. I'd never have thought to go to them for denim but they're cuts are ace. They're made in Japan (for anyone who doesn't know, when it comes to denim you're looking for them to be made in Japan or Italy - it shows quality) and are from a very high count denim. This means that you can wash them heavily, wear them heavily etc and the fit won't loosen etc. These are their Hampton style - I also have the Richmond which is their skinnier style. For the price they really are an insane bargain.... 

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.

I really can't believe we're onto November already, or October pay weekend, however you look at it... Have to say I'm really, really enjoying shopping at the moment. I know that sounds a bit ridiculous but there is so, so much good stuff on the high street I had a tough time whittling it down to my edit, below. This month's WTB will just be for fashion as I'm doing a bumper beauty post next week with John Lewis - stay tuned as it's a goody, I've literally spent three days trying products out for it. It's a tough life...

This snap was taken post-haul at Topshop, Jigsaw and Selfridges who between them cost me a lot of money this month. One of the things I bought was this shirt which was a bargain from Topshop. I'd lusted after the expensive Olivia von Halle and Equipment versions which I'm now so glad I didn't fork out on. 

Trend wise, velvet is a killer isn't it?! I've been looking for ways to do it. So far I've found this black blazer from Whistles, this shift dress (super with a denim shirt) and this simple shape dress from Reiss. If, like me, you're still a bit unsure on how long the trend will last (though I'm probably wrong as it was all over the catwalks last month) then try simple accessories. Don't forget new names like Millie Mackintosh too, her floral embroidered velvet jacket is selling out incredibly quickly. Lastly, these red and blue belts from Topshop look amazing with a tee and jeans, or any staple sort of out. Great way of updating your wardrobe without splurging... 

Topshop is doing really well at the moment, there is a lot I want from there. Love this red silk maxi dress, so elegant yet hides all sins. I find smarter, long sleeved tops really necessary in winter months as they're a great option instead of wearing a dress or a proper shirt for nights out. This one is great, so simple and yet super flattering with the bell sleeves and neckline. Similarly I love the colour of this grey one too, great find for the same reasons...

Since posting this snap on Instagram lots of you have asked me where my coat is from, which leads me to my next shopping recommendation; Jigsaw. I popped in to see a PR friend and couldn't believe how much stuff I oohed and ahhed over. You'll most certainly be seeing more of it on the blog, particularly this jumper. Another "J" worth checking out is Jaeger, who's collaboration with Donna Ida is simply epic. These "Mia" jeans, and this red leopard print shirt are perfect game-changer wardrobe upgrades.

As for footwear I'm trying to be a bit braver. I went to see the guys at Kurt Geiger last week and spotted these gorgeous babies immediately. Snapped them up immediately, they go with everything and are my kind of winter/autumn heel. That said, on the other end of the spectrum I'm also toying with getting these from Topshop which are a bit ridiculous but really fun, or these proper night-out shoes from Reiss.

Hello all! The weather has really taken a bit of a turn and I've been swapping outfits a few times a day to stop the risk of boiling, freezing, burning and shivering. It's a bit of a joke! Not sure what October has planned for us, but I've updated my wardrobe with a Reiss' pieces (see what I did there) that I think will help carry me through the next month...

One of the joys of where the blog has taken me is out of suits, for life. However, I'm finding the need to dress corporately for meetings more and more and sends me out into a total spin - I just don't know how! The closest I could really get was jeans (with holes in, apparently not always a good idea), shirt and a jacket. I found this skirt from Reiss and thought it could serve me well. It's a lovely, taught fabric so the flare is super flattering. It looks great with a shirt tucked in, or as I have hear with a knit...

And on the subject of the knit, this one is beautiful with the lace-style detailing at the cuffs and edges. I spotted it at their press day some months ago and have been keeping my eyes peeled for it ever since. Reiss are really good and doing things that you can wear in the office and also at the weekends. I've paired this one with jeans or cargo pants (I've got my eye on these forest green cords - yes cords - from Reiss too) and trainers as much as I have with formal trousers and skirts...

My jewellery never comes off, I'm so lazy with it. At the moment I've got mainly Astley Clarke on, with a few Rosie Fortescue pieces (her hoop earrings are THE best, here) and some studs from Missoma. Between those three I really don't think you need any other brands...

 outfit credits at the base of this post

Now the heels are a bit special; I think I'll have them for a while. They go with everything. Reiss don't get enough credit for their footwear, I have a few pairs and they always do me really well... Since these arrived I have worn them to meetings, date nights, dinner with friends, a Christening... The list goes on. They're quite high for me but they're very comfortable which is a solid recommendation as I've got small feet therefore struggle with any heel whatsoever (annoying when I'm also a bit of a midget).

outfit credits at the base of this post

These photos were snapped around the corner from my flat at a place called Fenton House. It's a little 17th property that is often opened up to the public, but as it's not in the direction of the heath lots of people completely miss it. The gardens (and the house in truth) are gorgeous and I really recommend you popping up to North London and having a look. Details here.

Outfit Details
skirt = as worn, Reiss (now in sale)
jumper = as worn, Reiss / similar without lace detail, here
shoes = as worn, Reiss / all Reiss shoes, here
jewellery = Astley Clarke, Rosie Fortescue and Missoma
sunglasses = as worn, Givenchy
mentioned = forest green cords, Reiss

This post was in collaboration with Reiss, all words and styling my own. Photos taken using an Olympus PEN EP-L7 from John Lewis here and the 45mm lens here.

These photos were taken on our break to Scotland last week, which was a much needed detox from the stresses and strains of London life. Both of us have been very busy balancing work with work, with a little bit of play sprinkled on the top. We were exhausted, and arrived happily at the beach with Lopez for an evening stroll. I thought these pictures of pure bliss were the perfect backdrop to a recent new discovery...


A few months ago I was asked to go and review a Chinese Medicine practitioner. I was dubious. Having really been put through it the last few years health wise, I had visions of someone trying to encourage me to look at the stars whilst chewing monkey genitalia and chanting. I really didn't think it would help me in any way whatsoever. How wrong I was.

Firstly, when Katie opened the door I was pretty surprised. Wash away all preconceptions of the type of person you'd expect to do this kind of thing - Katie is the type of person you'd want to know where she gets her blow dries as much as you would want information about health and wellbeing. Her own journey to Chinese Medicine is a fascinating one, and more importantly to me, entirely logical. She watched western medicine continuously fail those around her and looked for alternatives.

In simple form, the Chinese believe that every human has a unique balance in their body controlled by 5 core organs; liver, lungs, digestive system, heart and kidneys (note that the brain isn't one of them...) and that your balance is set based on when you were born - down to the time of day and position of the moon. It does make sense - if you think that the moon controls the tides of the world's oceans we'd be ignorant not to consider it has some pull over our bodies too, no?

When I saw Katie I was in the thick of a frustrating process with our health system. Having had a cocktail of digestive issues, the NHS was really struggling to know what to do with me - despite having seen the top people in 3 departments across 3 hospitals. Katie instantly gave me a perspective on my health history that had never been thought of before - connecting my brittle asthma to my tumour in a simple and matter of fact fashion that left me feeling somewhat daft to not have considered it before. In a weird way despite still feeling sickly it gave me a huge sense of calm - feeling like I knew what was going on. As Katie says "sometimes a diagnosis is half the cure."

There are years worth of books on Chinese Medicine, but Katie vehemently believes that simple yoga-like practices each day can ward off the majority of illnesses. Stress causes a huge % of  health problems, and so making an effort to calm and relax the mind and body each day can make the world of difference. Two months in, I'm hastened to agree. Katie has just launched Hayo'U as a way for people to benefit from her 1 minute methods online. Take a look at them here.

If you (like me) are a bit of a sceptic, I challenge you not to feel the benefits after a week. After a month, despite still being stuck in "emergency waiting lists" through the NHS, the Hayo'U practises are massively helping me stream a balance between feeling unwell and managing to work, and play. I really do recommend you take a look, full information here.

Today is a slow one... Last night I went to see Coldplay with the girls and Marks and Spencer - am feeling the midnight espresso martini decision... The only win is remembering I bought this jumpsuit from ASOS which I am going to rename The Most Comfortable Item Of Clothing That Ever Dared Exist. 

I cannot explain to you how much I love wearing this, literally the most comfortable thing in the world ever. It's super soft and the really relaxed fit means you sort of lose all worries about arms, tums and bums... if I could wear it everyday I 110% would. I bought mine true to size (this is a size 10) but could probably have dropped to a smaller one if I'd wanted to as it's very roomy - depends how you want to wear it...

I threw my hair up and didn't even check myself in the mirror before these photos so apologies for the bedraggled-ness... I kind of thought that if I hid my eyes under my new Jimmy Choo sunglasses I'd get away with it. They're so sparkly and shiny I'm hoping all attention is directed to them and not my face... They are most definitely an investment (find them here) but I found these ones from Jeepers Peepers at ASOS that'll do the trick for under £25, or these for SIX POUNDS...

I wore my box fresh new trainers, which I am a bit obsessed. It's the first time I've ever had non-sport-brand trainers. They're from Iris and Ink and it's love. I'd been pining after a pair of Isabel Marant or Saint Laurent ones for months but when my friend showed me these I instantly knew I had to have them. Such good value, love the ostrich skin effect and really comfy from the beginning. Iris and Ink haven't done footwear for long but the collection is awesome, find it all here.

My bag is new from Reiss here... I struggle with finding good mini bags that are pale coloured and needed one for events over the summer (most of mine are all dark colours which doesn't look right at weddings). I really like the fringing as it adds a little something to an otherwise very plain and simple blue suede tote... 

In case you missed it, sales started properly this week. Have a look at my edit here. Whatever you're doing this weekend, I hope you have a great one. We are spending the whole 2 days enjoying our new area and unpacking the final boxes... Loving being back in North London!

jumpsuit = jumpsuit, ASOS / similar here / similar here

sunglasses = sunglasses, Jimmy Choo / similar here (£24!) / similar here (£6!!!)

bracelet = green agate snowdrop charm / turquoise stone moon bracelet

trainer/sneaker = trainers, Iris and Ink / same in blue satin / Iris and Ink footwear collection here

bag = bag, Reiss

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.

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