A Little Sparkle From Joshua James

I was recently given the opportunity to choose some jewellery* to review from +Joshua James Jewellery

My tastes in jewellery are quite specific.  My go to pieces are usually necklaces, something that I know that I won't bump into someone else wearing.  I love handmade pieces, anything vintage and I regularly have a look in charity shops to see what bargains can be done.  Some of my favourite pieces have been found this way.

When buying from a jewellery store I always have a good look around for something that speaks to me and I have a particular penchant for anything with a vintage feel.  I decided that the best option for me would be to choose a necklace and a charm and having narrowed down my selections I decided to go with something from the Thomas Sabo Collection.

I have chosen the Pink Satin Silk Ribbon Charm Carrier and to go with it the Rose Quartz Heart Charm 

I love the pale pink tones of the pink quartz whilst giving off a superb sparkle.  This necklace will go well with either a little black dress to add a touch of glamour or alternatively will fit in nice with pattern.  I wore this necklace today with my black, pink and orange butterfly dress and it looked great.

I will definately be keeping an eye out on the other charms available in the collection as they are easily interchangeable with a simple lobster claw clasp to unhook from the necklace.

What sort of jewellery do you love to wear?


* This item was gifted to me however all opinions are my own

Winter is Coming

As I have been mentioned before on this blog, the thought of winter and the snow that follows has always filled me with dread.  

Last year I wrote about some ice cleats that I had bought which have definitely made winter a little easier for me.  

The NHS have created some top tips for getting through the winter:

• Avoid going out in bad weather but if you do wrap up warm in plenty of layers, and wear a hat, scarf, gloves and shoes with a good grip on the sole.
  
• Try to be active during the day. Visit a local leisure centre or shopping centre if you can. If you can’t get out then get up and move, as light exercise will help to keep you warm.
  
• Make sure your heating, radiators and boilers are serviced to reduce the risk of breakdown in cold weather.
  
• Use a room thermometer. Your main sitting room should be between around 18-21C (64-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F).
  
• Have at least one warm meal each day and drink warm drinks.
  
• Sweep the chimneys, in preparation for winter.
  
• Set heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed.
  
• Get snug in bed with fleecy onesies, socks, thermal underwear and a hat. 
  
• Take care of elderly friends and neighbours. Make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, and they have supplies of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.
  

When you are young and have family around you, it is easier to think of just oneself when it comes to surviving winter but what your neighbours?

My street has many elderly people, my parents included, who all make the effort in winter to help out each other, but what about those who are more isolated?  My mum was talking to an 83 year old lady on the bus the other day who told her that her neighbours never speak to her or offer any assistance and she was worried about the winter ahead.  

It is important when winter arrives that we do not just think of ourselves.  Clearing an elderly neighbour's drive of snow or offering to get some items for them in your weekly shop isn't a big encumbrance to you but can make all the difference to someone who is elderly and alone.

I will be actively doing this when the snow comes.  If my mum lived alone I would hope that somebody would do the same for her.  When the temperatures drop and the ground gets icy, we all need to take a little extra care and if that can be extended to the people around you, maybe the winter won't seem to long after all.

2 Truths, 1 Lie

I have been tagged by the lovely Gillian of Ready Steady File to do a fun little post called "Two Truths & A Lie".

I have completed some of these getting to you know type quizzes before but this is more fun as it gets you guessing as to which is the truth and which is the lie.

Here are my two truths and one lie.  Can you tell which one I am fibbing on?  Guess in the comments (if you wish of course!!)

           1. When I was 21 I decided on a whim to move to Ireland and lived there for seven months.

2. When I was a child I used to do competitive ball room dancing.

3. I cannot ride a bicycle.

I nominate:

Nikki from www.NattyNikki.com
Leah from www.JustMeLeah.co.uk
Becky from www.DoesMyBlogMakeMeLookFat.com 

High Waisted Jeans

Whilst I am a dress girl at heart, lately I have been looking around at the season's latest offerings and have seen some beautiful tops, for both daytime and evening, which I would love to wear.  

My separates collection is very small indeed and I find myself searching for the perfect fitting pair of high waisted jeans that I can pair with some of the beautiful tops I have seen.

I have recently been provided with an infographic from Fashion World in which they have provided tips and suggestions about the 4 essential types of trousers that every woman needs in their wardrobe. 

Having asked me which my preference was they requested that I give them some styling tips.  They have created the below graphic for me where you can see what I have chosen and my comments!

* Written in collaboration with Fashion World

Taming the Butterfly

Today on the blog I have for you a dress that I bought from the gorgeous Lolly Likes

I have been meaning to show you this dress for a while now but finally managed to photograph it.  I believe that the dress comes from +New Look

I have worn this dress throughout the summer and it survived the "packing away for winter" cull as I wasn't ready to stop wearing it.  I wear it now with tights, a cardigan and some boots.

Now, there is something going on underneath the dress that I also wanted to tell you about.  Take your mind out of the gutter please!

I am wearing the Best Form Slim control shaping high briefs * I like to put shapewear under many of my dresses in order to have a smoother line but finding shapewear that both works and is comfortable is something akin to finding the holy grail.

I want a smoothing line, whilst still being comfortable and unrestricted and above all, something that is going to stay in place and not roll down half way through the day as can happen with so much shapewear.

These shaping high briefs have two silicone anti slip strips to the top which enable the shapewear to stay in place whilst not getting sticky against your skin.  They feel great to wear and I will be purchasing more very soon.

Have you found your perfect shapewear yet?

* Denotes gifted item

There's Something About Mary

One thing that I don't talk very much about on this blog is shoes. 

Roll back a couple of years ago when my wardrobe was full of dark colours, my shoe collection always told a different story.  Whilst the clothes I wore then were usually black, my shoes could be red, blue; patterned and usually had a little something about them.

These days my shoes tend to be take a back seat to my dresses which take the spotlight now; but one thing has remained the same.  My love of the Mary Jane.

Mary Jane shoes have always had me firmly in their grip.  They are my go to style of shoe as they work whether you want a low or high heel, whether the outfit is dressed up or down but also they come in a variety of styles.  I particularly love Irregular Choice as they always have shoes that stand out from the crowd.

Today I decided to have a look around the market and see what other Mary Jane style shoes I could add to my wishlist and I came across these Cristofoli shoes  I have to admit that I am more than a little bit in love with these shoes.  I love the zip detailing and the bows.  I NEED these shoes.  Santa, I'm looking at you!

I also spied these Mel Pop Star Shoes which I really wish that I had spied this Summer as they would have been the perfect summer shoe.

Finally, whilst on my search for pretty shoes I came across these shoes which made me wonder, would the 21st century version of Dorothy have a cat and not a dog?  If so I have found the shoe for her with these shoes.

What is your style of shoe?

I Feel Good

You know sometimes when you spend ages getting ready for a night out, an event or even just a blog post, and the reflection in mirror isn't what you hoped? This challenge is for those times when you look in the mirror, no pre planning involved, and think "I look good today". 

We all have our good days and our bad, but this challenge is to record those good days and to remember that confidence, at any size, is beautiful.

Just like the Mad Hatter I am late again!  Today though I thought that I would share something a little different.  A rare shot of me with my hair up.  Hope Monday isn't treating you too badly!

Abi http://aisforabi.blogspot.co.uk/

Becky http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com/

Hollie http://prettybigbutterflies.com/

Kitty http://misskittykaos.blogspot.co.uk/

Leah http://justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk/
Mhairi http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com/

Mookie http://muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk/

Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk 
Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.com

Vicky http://www.thecurvedopinion.com/

I Huff and I Puff

As you may be aware, I was recently given the opportunity to write my own blog on the Huffington Post website.

This has been a great outlet for me to talk about some of the things that I would not necessarily share on my blog, but have been floating around in my head and needed an outlet.

I thought that I would share a couple of the things that I have written so far and if you find that any sound interesting to you, I would love to hear your thoughts!

The Darker Side of Fat Shaming

Here I am talking about, as the title suggests, fat shaming.  What it is and what it can lead to if left unchecked.

Learned Prejudice

A post about how when we born, we are free from prejudice, judgment and an idea of who society excepts us to be.  We are simply ourselves and we are good enough.  Everything that comes after is learned behaviour.

You're Not Fat, You're Beautiful

The thing that I hate to hear the most.

I have a million more things running around in my head but hopefully you have enjoyed these few.

Vicky x

New Dress Wishlist

It has been a while since I had a good look around at the various brands to see what new dresses catch my eye.  I had a bit of time to spare tonight so I decided to have a browse and do a little wishlist of my current favourites.

First up is a gorgeous red lovely from +Yours Clothing

I am a sucker for a red dress and I love the pattern of this Glitter Flocked Skater Dress and for £35.00, what a bargain!

Next up is the stunning Briar Rose Dress from Taking Shape.  I love the black accents and as you will know if you have read my blog before, give my a floral print and I am happy.  This is £99.00.

Next is the Claire Richards spot mesh prom dress from +Fashion World   This is such a classic look and would be perfect for the Christmas party season.  

Adding a little va va voom to my wishlist is the +ASOS Paper Dolls Plunge Neckline Pencil Dress priced at £58.00.  You cannot go wrong with a monochrome theme and the neckline detailing is just gorgeous.

Finally, I have a dress that I recently spotted on the beautiful George from FullerFigureFullerBust and I have been lusting after ever since.  This is the +Scarlett Jo red floral jersey dress from Evans which is currently on sale for £40.50.

That is it for my wishlist today, hope you have liked my choices!!

How to Buy Future-proof Christmas Presents

Christmas presents can be stressful business anyway but in these times of fast fashions, fads and technology it can be even trickier to pick a present that will last longer in your loved one’s affections past New Year’s Day. Whether you are buying for a young gamer, conscientious student or mad music fan, here are some tips on what to buy this Christmas and ensure they are still enjoying their gift this time next year.

TVs

Television technology moves very quickly these days. It doesn’t seem long since we were all watching massive backed screens which took a forklift truck to install in our living rooms. Now, we are all reaping the benefits of sleek thin designs with quality picture and sound quality. Electronic suppliers such as www.electricshop.com stock mainly LED screens these days but there are more advanced models such as SMART TVs which link directly to the internet, 4K screen technology for superb quality pictures and curved screens which are set to be the neatest thing in 2015.

Console Games

Console gaming can be an expensive hobby and it is difficult to keep track of the latest games and when they will be updated. This Christmas there are two titles which will be flying off the shelves in places like Game. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the latest in this highly popular series of game and comes out in early November. Assassins Creed Unity is another high profile pre-Christmas release which will make most gamers’ festive period and hopefully give them hours of enjoyment until at least summertime.

Laptops

When thinking of purchasing future-proof laptops the best thing you can factor in is virus protection. Websites such as PCAdvisor are great for offering advice on the best antivirus software. It is also important to consider the laptop brands with the best reputations. If you can afford one, a Macbook is probably the safest option but if you are not a fan of Apple products or don’t fancy the hefty price tag, models such as the Sony Vaio AW, Panasonic Toughbook 74 make great purchases. Both offer quality screens as well as decent processors and RAM.

Fashion

For fashion advice it is best to bow to the established authorities. For 2014/15 Autumn-Winter Vogue recommend items such as polo necks, capes and other wraps like ponchos and cocooning coats.

Music

For the young pop fan in your life it is no longer good enough just to get that Christmas X Factor single. Releases from artists such as Calvin Harris, Ne-Yo and of course One Direction should be top of your pop picker’s list. If you are looking for something a bit edgier, albums from TV on the Radio, Eminem and The Voyeurs will provide a little more street cred.