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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.

Where on earth has October gone? How are we into November? No complaints though as it's my favourite month of the year. It's my birthday next week, fireworks night this weekend and so many lovely things planned. Blog wise it's the month for gift guides and a bumper beauty edit, as well as a couple of trips to Stockholm and Devon. All in all, busy. I really shouldn't - and won't - complain.

These pictures were snapped on Saturday when Lindsey and I had just come back from visiting Laura in Leeds. We went up for one night and had an amazing meal at Iberica - if you're from there or got any plans to visit to make sure you add this one into your culinary hit list. 

I'm wearing my favourite purchase in a while, my new leopard print shirt from Topshop. I have been searching for one of these for a long, old while and drifted between going for the much more expensive Equipment version here. I'm so happy with it, and for the price (£36) the quality is ace. It's also awesome that you shove it in the wash and hang it dry. No ironing, win!

The jeans are years old, again from Topshop. Long term readers of the blog will know that I'm a bit of a snob with my denim, but somehow these have always stayed. They're the boyfriend fit, and having had them for a long time I can honestly say they are worth the £42 investment (and that comes from someone who owns several £200+ pairs...). They're seriously good... Find them here.

Lastly the shoes. I've had these a while and hadn't got around to shooting them. They're from Boden, who really should be considered by all for footwear as I've had a few pairs of ace stuff from them over the last few seasons. I love them, they're great for work-to-play days and are really, really comfortable (wasn't sure they would be, but after they'd given a bit on first wear they're great). Here is their entire collection which is worth a gander = Boden footwear, or my loafers here.

I have told myself that this is going to be a super productive week, and am proudly ticking off tasks from my Wunderlist this evening (an amazing tool if you don't already use it). Whatever you're up to, I hope you have equally fruitful weeks, and roll on the weekend to fireworks night!

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.

I wasn't going to do a post about this dress, but having shown it on my Instagram you guys seem to rather like so I thought I'd share some more piccies. They were taken a couple of weeks ago when Lindsey came over for a gym and a dog walk. As you can see, Lopez is very much embarrassed used to me having my photo taken and refuses to participate.

I've taken a bit of a liking to dresses this year which really isn't like me. I'm quite the tom boy, but the fact you can just throw one on with some boots (in this case my brand, spanking new grey suede ones you can find here) and just shoving your hair up appeals to my incredibly lazy personality...

Warning, boys don't like this dress. Mine hates it. To be fair I can see why; it's far from logical. The lovely, floaty bits that I really like do not make sense to boys. For girls, it means you can hides your wider bits and feel all skinny - total win. The midi length is really flattering too as it just shows off the smaller parts of your legs...

The dress is from ASOS, it keeps going out of stock to hurry up and get one here. I think it's a total bargain - I've worn it with trainers and my green lightweight army jacket (apparently called a "shacket" - find it here) to the boy's dismay, with boots like this it was "passable." Personally I really enjoy the "nursery-teacher-mixed-with-mad-old-lady" look. 

My sunnies are by Fendi and I love them. This sounds spoilt, but I forgot about them. The other day I was tidying up and found them in a box of odds and sods from our car journey around Italy. Somehow they'd gone unworn so I'm wearing them at every given opportunity now. Never thought white/cream frames would work for me but they're ace and go with everything!

Hair wise... Lets just not. This was pre haircut and the less we say about it the better... And with that, I'll leave you to the rest of your weekend!

This week we've had such a weird mix of weather; beaming sun, heavy rain, hot/cold temperatures. I spent most of the week in my gym kit as I just couldn't be bothered to attempt to dress! Any way, here we are and I've tried to pull out the pieces and products you'll need for October. Yay to being able to justify knits and long length dresses!


Fashion

First things first, the dresses with tops on underneath. According to Vogue and the Sunday Times Style this is the only way to wear dresses at the moment. For most it means getting more wear out of your summer dresses, for me it means buying a new one. This one from Topshop is an absolute win and for the price the quality is exceptional - plus it's made in Britain, win.


Next up, Boden. You're gonna be seeing an influx of this brand on my blog soon. Gone are the days that these guys were for sheepskin-shoe-wearing country bumpkins. Their stuff is slick! I annoyingly missed out on this coat (actual tears), but got my hands on this jumper and these super-cool loafers. I'm trying to be a bit smarter so they ticked the box perfectly, plus who doesn't need a cream cable knit? Morons, that's who.

When buying the dress above I had a bit of a mammoth Topshop haul; this shirt is everything (so fun for dates with the girls, Gus isn't feeling it at all) this skirt is perfect for more formal days (so for normal people; work) and looks great with this ASOS shirt I bought last week.

Lastly, Net A Porter have a super good "new in" selection. I'm toying over this Ganni lace body, new designer (for me, at least) Maggie Marilyn's collection including this top, this dress by Michael by Michael Kors (perfect again for those with real jobs, and really well priced when you consider the quality and how much wear you'll get out of it) and finally as I missed out on the J Crew x Drake shirts this one will just have to fill the void... Which it does very well.

Autumn is a tough one for me beauty-wise. My skin isn't quite deathly pale (that joy waits till November) and it's tired from the sunshine. I've been using a wide range of Perricone MD products (mainly their Pre:Empt series here) which I know I wax lyrical about. Cheap it isn't but it works. For those of you who are new to it give this tester set a go, unbelievable value. On the opposite end of the scale I've been giving my skin a bit of a glow with Sienna X High Intensity Tanning lotion. Put it on for an hour, shower it off, done. That simple. No streaks, and everyone keep on asking me where I've been on holiday...


starter set, Perricone MD / basil and neroli perfume, Jo Malone / blow dry in a bottle, Duck and Dry / gel nails set, Topshop / brow sculptor, Tom Ford / tanning lotion, Sienna X

Next up, perfume. When I had breakfast with the lovely Bianca from Jo Malone last month she introduced me to their new Basil and Neroli scent, here. I can't explain how great it is; it smells like you're walking through a country herb garden. I really wouldn't have thought basil in a scent would work, but it completely does Do pop into a store and give it a go... Another surprise success has been Topshop's new gel nail collection here. As someone who is addicted to getting her nails done (Shellac, at a teeny place by Hampstead tube) this is an absolute winner. The 3 step at-home gel kit give you salon-perfect nails! I'm on day 4 of having done them myself and they look perfect, I bought this pink one here.

Also followers of my Instagram (psssst, do it here) will know I've had my hair chopped by the lovely team at Sassoon Salons. I'm still getting my head around having short hair, but I do really love it. Finding I need products more than I used to so my Blow Dry In A Bottle from Duck and Dry here is proving super handy, it does exactly what it says on the tin.

Make up wise, it's all about Tom Ford for me at the moment. Keep your eye out for their new Soleil lip colours as I was sent some samples and they're amazing - due out 31st October. But the product for me right now is their brow sculptor here which is completely changing my eyebrows in two easy steps (fill and brush). Just get yourself one, here.

Another brand to keep an eye on include Immunocologie which has a lovely back-story (read it here) who specialise in luxury-level skin-saving products. Their Super Elixir Serum may be pricey, but it saved the day for me before a very important meeting when I had three beacons of spots on my cheeks, and very tired, dry skin. 

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!