The Shopping Edit | June 2013

Here's what snuck it's way into my wardrobe this month.....

1. Pretty Lemon Dress from Coast £21 (I had an £89 Store Credit from last year)

2. Pink Silk Ted Baker Dress £90 (Outlet)

3. Bow Detail Ted Baker Skirt £20 (Outlet)

4. Pastel Minty Green Ted Baker Top £25 (Outlet)

5. New Look Pretty Peplum Top £14.99

6. Navy Racer Back Midi Dress, Karma Clothing £7.94

7 and 8. Cream & Black Scalloped Edge Vest Tops, H&M £6.99 each

9. H&M Lace Vest Top, £14.99

10.  BooHoo Monochrome Heels, £22.74

Grand Total: £230.64

1. Late last year I bought a black-tie dress from Coast and then changed my mind, unfortunately I was outside of their returns policy so they gave me a store credit. I don't tend to just "pop-in" to Coast on a regular shopping trip. It's normally always for an "event". I went in with the full intention of picking up something in the sale and then saw this pretty dress....I tried it on not wanting to love it, but I did! And I can see myself wearing it for quite a few different occasions. 

2. My Ascot Dress! Pretty, pink and made of silk. I don't know when I'll wear it again but Ascot was such a big event for me I felt it was worthy of it's own dress!

3.This cute skirt from Ted Baker was an absolute bargain, I really like the pattern with a slight hint of fluro and the bow detail just sealed the deal the minute I saw it. Love a bow!

4. Another Ted Baker Outlet bargain was this top. The photo doesn't really do the colour justice but it's just a really easy top to wear. Looks smart with jeans or you can wear it tucked in to a skirt.

5. I've been wearing this peplum top with black cigarette pants and heels for less formal days at work. The peplum shape works really well for my figure and the summery print is great for this time of year.

6. I bought this navy midi-dress as a beach cover-up. It will be really easy to throw on over a bikini and the quality is actually really good for the price-point.

7. & 8. These H&M tops were also bought for holiday. They're a loose fit but with the pretty scalloped edges they don't look frumpy. Again great for during the day over bikini's.

9. I still have a thing for lace....I don't think my crush is going away anytime soon. This vest is cute layered over other vests. A great summer staple.

10. When I first got these heels I wasn't convinced. The quality isn't great at all (they arrived looking like they had already been worn) but I was super busy at the time and forgot to return them within the allowed 14 days....I like the style and they are comfortable so I'm going to try and get some use out of them.

And that's it! Phew. Have you been picking up some bargains in the sales?

Beauty | Holiday Ready Skin with Soap & Glory

We're going on our summer holiday next week! Yippee!

Whilst summer holidays are an obvious cause for celebration the thought of bearing your bikini-clad body to the world can also be a serious cause for concern.

With one week to go, there is nothing at all I can do about any lumps or bumps I wish weren't there, but I can make sure my skin is looking polished, hydrated and ready to tan!

My friend Maria kindly gave me a bumper pack of Soap & Glory products at Christmas, what better excuse to get them used up, pamper myself and prep my skin for sunny days all at the same time!

I start the process first thing in the shower by exfoliating my skin with the Sugar Crush Body Scrub, this smells like the best tropical holiday you'll ever have. Seriously, even if you already have a body scrub you should just go and smell this one.....sweet limes, almond oil and macademia grains, heaven. And so perfect to get you in the holiday mood.

I know feet are quite literally a blogger's car crash topic but this Foot Buffer is so quick and easy to use. 20 seconds on each foot in the shower, and you're good to go. Follow your buffing action with some Heel Genius Foot Cream and you will have pool ready tootsies with minimal effort.

Last but by no mean least, after you're done in the shower, slather on some Righteous Butter. It's really moisturising and soaks into your skin quickly. Perfect for us busy girls.

I know it's obvious but adding an extra couple of minutes to your morning routine will make a huge difference to your bikini-confidence. And if all else fails, just remember this. 

Source: Pinterest

So damn true.

Life | A Day at The Races

It turns out that Dan is good at surprises, very good in fact.  

I woke up on Tuesday morning to be given a little gift bag. Inside, wrapped carefully in white tissue was my badge to Royal Ascot the following day! 

I've never been to Royal Ascot before. I had a whole day to get excited before waking up bright and early on Wednesday. I slipped on my dress and big pink hat and happily skipped to the car (and our friendly driver, John) that were waiting for us.

Our good friends Tim and Nicola were in on the plan, and had prepared the most amazing picnic. Everyone sits by their cars and soaks up the atmosphere before heading in to the races.

The sun came out after a while, and so did the money spiders.....if you look really closely you can see the tiny one hanging off Nicola's beautiful new engagement ring. We decided it was a lucky sign and quickly set to studying the form guides in the papers.

 Once inside we watched as the Queen arrived in her horse and carriage, and quickly set to placing our bets for the first few races.

By the third race we had a winner! 

A lovely horse named Al Kazeem came in first! 

The rest of the day went by in a blur of Pimms, horses and people watching. And all to quickly it was time to go home.

Doesn't my man look dapper? 

 The most perfect birthday surprise, and now I've got the bug - I would love to go again next year!

Life | A British Summer Wedding

Once upon a time there was a Princess named Beth.....

Sometimes, just sometimes if you're really very lucky you stumble upon the most perfect summers day in the UK. When this happens everyone quickly throws on their summer dresses, shorts and t-shirts, and tries to soak up as much Vitamin D as possible.

Princess Beth got even luckier, she had one of these glorious days for her beautiful wedding to her Prince Charming Lee. This ladies and gentleman is what a dream wedding looks like.

Princess Beth looked stunning in her gorgeous wedding gown, which was covered in lace detailing and fell into a deep v at the back. Inside the Chapel, we all watched with joy whilst Beth and Lee made the most important promise of their lives, and then celebrated with a happy and uplifting performance of "Hallelujah" sung by the Bristol Bach Choir.

Outside the chapel, we threw confetti and shouted our congratulations before launching lots of red balloons into the bright blue sky.

The new Mr and Mrs Adams were whisked away to their reception in a vintage Porsche, whilst the rest of the guests rode in style on a Red London Double Decker Bus. When we arrived, we were greeted with glasses of Champagne and big coolers full of Pimms.

Beth and Lee made their entrance looking cool, calm and very happy.

I quickly grabbed the bride for a close up of the flowers and ring. 

The grounds of Brittons Farm Estate had been transformed with a big white Marquee.

The inside was beautifully decorated with classic chairs, white table cloths, chandeliers and pretty bunting. Not to mention the stunning flowers by Daisy Jeffery.

At our tables we found funky name settings, vintage tea-cups and little pots of chutney as wedding favours.

Our wedding feast was delicious, and filling! A Mezze starter followed by a Moo Pie from Pieminister.

The "Piece de Resistance" was the Wedding Cake. A tower of cheese! Just look at that Brie. 

When the wedding guests were full to the brim, we laughed, cried and cheered our way through the brilliant speeches. Once they were done we leapt onto the dance floor, and got very silly in the Photo Booth.

After all the festivities of the day, the guests departed on their bus back to Bristol. Princess Beth and Prince Lee fell into a deep sleep, they dreamed of the turquoise seas and white sands of Croatia that awaited them....