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.

New clothhhessssss. I cannot stop buying new stuff. This never happens, ever. Firstly, the dress in the header picture above. It's from Zara, I featured it on my Instagram here and looks like I'm not the only one... Slightly gothic florals seem really key for autumn: they have also made a more office-worthy version here, and a maxi dress here. Vilshenko (phenomenally expensive Russian designer, I think) eat your heart out (ps this Iris and Ink shirt really should be considered too...)

"Pretty" is also very important, which is a new thing for me as I often try and look anything but cute. However lace doesn't have to mean sh*t fabrics and Barbie make up anymore. This top from Marks and Spencer looks great with my denim staples (more on that below) and don't forget about new-essential Realisation Par; their silk tops are perfect for someone wanting to add some flair to their otherwise pretty reserved wardrobe (thats me, btw).

Bomber jackets just aren't going away. I found one I loved in Berlin, didn't buy it, and now it's haunting me. This one from Topshop is perfection. As they're all different colours choosing one is difficult - but this is reversible so it pink and blue. Check it out properly here.

I'm also buying polo necks, something I didn't think would happen to me. After buying quite a lot of summer dresses this year I'm not prepared to give them up in cooler weather. I read Elle last week and they had a whole piece on putting a polo neck under a dress and it looked really cool. I'm carving this Chloe one but always test out a look using the high street first. So, I've bought some ASOS two-pack basics to try it out (get yours here). So far so good, and they look awesome with denim too... (ps - saying that, Topshop have brought out a winter version of that summer dress, here. Must have)

Which leads me neatly to a new found jean love; Levi 501s. Yep, I've made the pilgrimage and man it was worth it. I got mine in the sale here and you'll be seeing a lot of them on the blog as they now never come off my body. So good - shaped but slouchy, tough but soft. It's love - if you're after a good boyfriend jean get these and only these. 

I'm starting to get into knitwear again, and cardigans make the most sense at the moment - along with cut out detail knits - as they're the easiest to throw on when it's not that cold. This Ganni one is going to be a bit of a showstopper, having been worn by the usual street style bunch a lot. And really don't forget about Iris and Ink this season; this jumper is just one example of what they've got to offer...

Lastly, wanted to introduce a new brand to me Storets. I'd seen it on a few bloggers but when I looked at the site I questioned the quality. However, a few proseccos down the other night I made an order. It's all arrived, I'll feature it on the blog shortly - but in the mean time I just wanted to say how good it all is and I've been really impressed with the fit and service. Below is what I got:

The gingham dress is the absolute dream, my friend Holly had it and I couldn't say no having seen it on her. Very flattering. This navy boho dress is a complete copy of the must-have-brand Dodo Bar Or but at the price, who cares (also in white here)? The designer clearly makes too much money on theirs when someone can rustle it up for so much less... This ribbon detail blouse is a great staple, as the gingham off shoulder, this green satin skirt looks so much more expensive 

I've travelled quite a bit this summer and always think the most essential beauty items are the ones you can't go without when on holiday/abroad - the ones that make it into the case, and justify the extra baggage cost so you can put the bottle in. So without further ado, here are the things that I just can't not have with me at all times:

I have to admit I don't scrimp on my beauty products. It's my face - surely if you're going to invest in something, it's your face? Yes, as a blogger I get quite a bit sent over, but as someone who only bought face wipes (my sole beauty product) when they were in a 2 for 1 offer, for me to even suggest spending money on things like this is a worthy testament. Take brands like Perricone MD. I would never have discovered them had their PRs not shown them to me - now I can't leave the house (wherever I am in the world) without their Face Finishing Moisturiser. It's a lazy girl's dream - one little finger full hides a multitude of sins. You will not regret the investment. 

Likewise with Tom Ford's make up. Damn me it's expensive, but you can't beat it. Their Bronzing Primer gives the same look as a two week holiday but at a fraction of the price (see what I did there!?). One squirt does the job (that sounds wrong) - instant glowy, not-at-al-shiny skin that doesn't feel like you've got make up on. Pair that with Benefit's Sun Beam dabbed across your cheek bones and you really do look very, very good.

I'm not a huge make up person so when something makes it on here (not to mention, onto my face on a regular basis) it really must be good. Last month I was sent over a few bits from 3ina, an Aussie brand. I usually really like products from Australia as they tend to be very well thought out - good for outdoor living and sunshine which these products definitely are. The thing that I can't get enough of is the lip crayons. I don't even wear lipstick but this (I have colour 108) is the bomb. Even my boyfriend noticed it - WHICH IS A MIRACLE - and they're only £8.

I've blogged about it tonnes before but my mascara is Charlotte Tilbury. It does clump up a bit after a while but it's industrial strength and copes with all the rain storms, tears, sea waves and sweats that go with my life... Lastly - and something I never thought I'd give two hoots about - brows. I swear by Benefit's newly revamped brow mascara Gimme Brow (yeah, it's a thing). I can't explain technically or professionals what it does - but it gives my face a really "oomph" by thickening and shaping my brows and it's so easy it's untrue.

Skin care wise I've got some goodies this month, some old some new. I had a clear out in my bathroom cupboard and found Aesop's Camelia Nut Hydrating Cream and am now livid with myself for not using it sooner. My skin seriously dries out in patches when I've been in the sun, and wrinkles quickly become more defined. Having used this for the last fortnight, they've gone. And I don't mean faded, I mean GONE. Just go and buy it here. 

I really really want to stress how good Guinot's Minceur Rapide stuff is. I have had cellulite since I was a kid (a vivid memory of my early teens was a friend asking what the bubbles on my legs were during swimming class, devastating) and I absolutely hate it. This is the only stuff I've ever found that works. Do both to a) buy it, and b) use it properly for two weeks. I sort-of cut out the bad foods during that time, but not really, and seriously saw a difference. Now, I'm almost cellulite free in previously awful problem areas. Get yours here.

Wow, this is a long post - sorry! I'll finish up with two goodies: Essie's new Gel Setter is a must for anyone going away. For £10 it makes at home gel manis possible - the first time I used it my nails lasted three weeks. I'm still obsessed with Ren's Radiance Mask and use it religiously once a week to give my skin a deep clean.

As most of you know I've recently moved house, back to the north side of the river in Hampstead. We spent a long time looking for our new home and had this one not come up I think we might have given up after a couple of real disappointments. The flat isn't very big so we have to be incredibly creative with the space, and when La Redoute got in touch to ask how we'd furnish a dining/study room it came at the perfect time...

If you're anything like me the brand La Redoute reminds me of good old fashioned French catalogue shopping. I had absolutely no idea they did homeware, even if I have since discovered that friend's amazing interiors are made up of pieces from them. I am determined not to have any Ikea in the house (one sneaky shelving unit has made it's way in, but it's days are numbered) and wanted proper furniture without the mammoth price tag. For that, La Redoute is absolutely perfect.

We wanted to keep the room light and airy and have furniture that worked for me to use an office and for entertaining (ourselves and groups!). The table and bench combination work really well as the bench can be stored underneath for space, and also comfortably sits 2/3 people (or often in our case, 2 and a dog). I love the white metal legs, and whole thing has a really cool industrial vibe which perfectly fits our home...

We picked two extra "normal" chairs as benches don't work for everybody and they're handy to have around the home. I'd had my eye on these for ages, they're such a classic style. The floors are already a lovely natural wood but we wanted something soft to walk about on. The boy picked out this rug which initiatively I wasn't all that keen on, but when it arrived I fell in love with it - the simple pattern is a really nice addition.

But the big thing for us, like so many people, is storage. We needed cupboards to keep the surplus crockery from the kitchen and my necessarily large candle collection. Traditional cupboards can look bulky and take up a lot of room so we went with these wire mesh containers as you can see into them creating an illusion of space (I also snuck a copper one in, here).

Accessories wise, I've tried to keep it light with pops of colour - my Tom Ford perfumes look great in my (meant for a bathroom) ceramic holder and Percy the polar bear is loving his new life on the window sill. Lots of you ask about my laptop cover; it's from Etsy here and after a year is still going strong...

We snapped these photos early this morning, apologies for the lack of make up and wet hair. It sums up the start to our weekends quite nicely. As a blogger, weekends are the perfect time to organise ourselves and sort out some content, so I usually start going through emails and sorting my calendar before Lopez gets up for a cuddle. 

Lastly, my dress is from Millie Mackintosh, lots of you probably already know of it as everyone was trying to get their hands on one last month - it's just come out as a mini dress here and also as the same maxi in blue here. Hurry up if I were you....

I'm not sure about you but shopping seems really fun at the moment. There are so many bargains to be had in the sales but better still the new season stuff is starting to trickle through. Yes, it's a heatwave and nobody wants to buy autumn knits just yet but fashion seems to have realised that 

 September and October are lovely warm months in the UK and are prepping us accordingly.

Last week I popped down to the Feathers Store in Knightsbridge with Farfetch to check out their boutique. Their lower level floor is filled to the brim with cool designers and their new collections. I'd forgotten how nice it is to spend time browsing in store and their edits are so good (check out there online boutique at Farfetch here). The first thing I picked out was this top by Rahul Mishra. I'd never heard of the Indian designer before, but the level of detail is just exceptional. Follow his Instagram account (a real gem) here.

Next up, boyfriend jeans - the long forgotten essential in my wardrobe! Long term readers of the blog will remember the days when I lived in my ASOS Brady jeans (here). When I say lived I mean 360 odd days of the year... Somehow I'd totally forgotten how great they are as a jean fit, but these Frame denim ones put me back in my place. So comfortable, so soft and so good for running about town - I kept on hugging my own legs with happiness... Shop Frame here.

Accessories wise, my sunglasses are from Givenchy, here. I've worn them a lot so you've probably already seen them on my Instagram here. I love that they are super simple, but have little studs at the top for an added edge. Yes, they're an investment but I can't see these going out of style anytime soon... My bag is from a new designer (for me at least) that I discovered at Feathers; Marsell. The leather was insanely soft...

Ooh and the shoes. They were a cheeky Zara purchase. I was out a couple of weeks ago and realised I didn't have time to change to meet the girls before dinner (and was in my gym kit) so popped in to buy something in the sale = error. Ended up with these new in shoes and this dress, £90 poorer but 100% happier. Last but not least but you can hopefully just see my Rosie Fortescue rose gold hoops - I've been wearing them non stop since her launch dinner, the quality for the price insane, check out the whole collection here.

I'm not sure what has happened to the weather today but in truth there is a part of me that isn't disappointed not to be getting my legs out this week. I've managed to pick up a cold (in June!?) and have been feeling pretty sorry for myself all week, bleurgh. We move house on Monday and having cleared out all my cupboards (I've been threatened with being allowed 15 pairs of shoes, he has no idea where I'm hiding them) I found these, my white jeans. I wore them when out in Chelsea for the flower show last week...

White denim gets a lot of stick. There was a time that it was thought you had to be a teeny, tiny size to be able to wear them. I go through phases of love vs hate (I worry about looking too K-Middy, not helped by her Breton-wearing-ways most recently) but at the moment I'm finding them perfect to wear with shirts and tees. Mine are from Paige Denim (my go-to denim brand) here, but if you havent tried the look before I'd recommend testing out a cheaper pair - these ASOS ones are very good - or try a "boyfriend style," I have these.

My shirt is an oldie but a goodie from Zara here. Khaki shirts are my favourite thing at the moment, I'm having to stop myself from buying this one from Topshop and maaaaay have slipped up and acquired this cross front one from Equipment (blog post to come). They go with everything, in particular all my denim for summer and also look great under a dark coloured jacket (this Reiss one is firmly on my wishlist, really hoping it goes into sale) for evening looks...

My shoes are from LK Bennett here and I'm in love with them. They're the "Floret" shape that I've been wearing for years and (apologies to long time readers of the blog) are in my humble opinion the best heel on the market. I have little feet so heels are tricky as they stretch my arches more than somebody with regular sized hooves. Therefore heels are uncomfortable and I can't usually wear them for more than a few hours. However, these ones are the best (I can do a whole day and night in them, easily) and here is a link to the entire range. I picked these ones because I want to wear them with a little red dress to one of the weddings this summer, but I couldn't wait and they seemed fitting for the flower show!

Other bits and pieces include the bag (a long awaited Vestiaire Collective purchase, I kept an eye on the site for months) from Louis Vuitton which I'm so pleased with - somehow is being second hand also makes me less shy about wearing it all the time, I'm not as worried about scratching it etc... The sunnies are new from Fendi, I went to see them last week and picked up a few pairs for Italy, so excited. Just a house move to get out of the way, and then we're off!

white jeans, Paige Denim / similar here (£25!) / similar here

khaki shirt, Zara / similar here (bought this, oops) / similar here

shoes, LK Bennett / as flats / entire Floret range here

bag, Louis Vuitton from Vestiaire Collective / sunglasses, Fendi

We decided to go and see what all the fuss was about and visit Soho Farmhouse for the day. It took us about an hour and half from London, and as soon as we arrived I could understand the surge of Instagram posts that occurred when this place opened. Having been to quite a few of the houses, Farmhouse is in a different league of amazingness... We sat outside in the (surprisingly) warm sunshine and played boules and table tennis. The Yeti (aka Lopez) came along for the ride too, who had a great time bombing around the huge estate.

ps - Farmhouse is largely dog friendly but they can't go in the main eating house or the spa, which Lopez was pretty miffed about...


As much as the bloody Marys in the Den were tempting, we wanted to "celebrate" by getting some serious rest and relaxation... After testing out the outdoor hot tubs (photo below) we went for a dip which was incredibly cool - you can swim outside from the inside pool. We were only swimming for half an hour or so, but following a steam and a sauna we felt like we'd been on a week long retreat. Following that we were pretty peckish so head over to the main restaurant to see what the roast dinners were like...


Annnnd here you go, looks terrible doesn't it?! I jest... Soho House roast dinners are one of my favourite things; they aren't shy with the meat quantities or the cauliflower cheese (I'm now on the FODMAP diet, so even writing about this is killing me).

After that, it was time to collect the dog and go back to London... We had such a good time celebrating our "birthday" and had no idea how easy it was to get to from us - as lovely as it would be to stay there, people in London (as members) can easily get up there for the day. Thoroughly recommend it, details here.

This post was written in collaboration with Mr Porter.