Sunday 30 December 2012

My Favourite Blogs of 2012...

I saw this post on the lovely Scaredtoast blog, I thought it was a great way to show/promote some great blogs that continuously inspire me. 

So here is my top 10:



Anna's Essentials list is my bible, I have discovered so many amazing brands through reading her blog. It has totally changed the way I shop, for the better.



The ultimate guide to the rich, talented and effortlessly stylish's wardrobes/houses; Rachel Zoe, Leigh Lezark, Lauren Conrad and P'Trique (to name just a few...)



Such a style crush on this girl, she makes me want to be Swedish. I want everything she owns. 



This blog has some great advice for saving pennies, tips on DIY, interiors and fashion. I've found some great brands through it.



Amazing style inspiration.



Blair Eadie has a cute name and amazing style, this girl really knows how to put an outfit together.



I've really been focusing on my skin and beauty products this year, following lots of beauty blogs has been insanely helpful, learning about some amazing products I wouldn't have found otherwise.  Katie's Beauty Blog has been one of the most helpful for me!



Anneli has amazing style and some great pieces in her closet!



An absolutely stunning american girl, Amber shares beauty and hair secrets/tutorials, her life and style. I have total hair envy!



Another blog that has taught me so much about beauty!

So that's my top 10... I of course, read SO many more that always inspire me and I'm always on the hunt for more. Other blogs I love can be found on my blogroll.


Wednesday 26 December 2012

Sale Time...


Merry Christmas!!!!
I hope you were all thoroughly spoilt and ate your body weight in food...

My lovely tree - instagram @beaatreides

Life has been a bit manic of late (to say the least), but now it's Christmas time, I finally have some time to myself to relax a little.

Christmas is my favourite time of year and I'm a big fan of winter fashion... namely you get to wear more and layer up!!! I've read a lot of amazing Gift Guides and Wish Lists, they were exceptionally helpful when writing my own list to Santa. 

To be honest, I'm a tad late to the game to publish one myself, so I thought I'd share my tricks and plan for the Sales (that had actually already started before Christmas itself... who said Christmas was becoming a commercial holiday?)

I am by no means a 'savvy shopper' or 'bargain hunter'... in-fact, I HATE the Sales, they are literally my worst nightmare. But, I would be a fool to ignore them entirely. A lot of these tips I have picked up from friends and other bloggers, it's kind of my own adaption on a 'How to...'

  1. Firstly and most importantly, know what you want! I can't stress this enough. Keep your Christmas List, write a list of everything you want/need. I do this normally anyway (here), I also highly recommend you look at Anna's from South Molton St Style  (my bible).  I keep a visual reference on my Pinterest too. It keeps me focused and makes sure I buy clothes I will love, need and fill holes in my wardrobe.
  2. Don't buy something just because it's cheap, the amount of things I bought because they were £5 and never wore... add that money together and I probably could have purchased something I really wanted, full price. 
  3. Invest in classics. Personally, I don't think that Sale shopping is a time to buy trends, they come and go; instead, buy a classic dress, footwear, great denim, knitwear, jersey or accessories.
  4. Make note of pieces you have lusted after all season and could never buy, now might be your  chance!
  5. Think ahead, what pieces would work for summer or even better next winter or forever...
  6. Shop ONLINE, it takes away the horrible crowds and long queues.




What's on my list...

  • Denim - particularly jeans and a good denim shirt
  • Jersey - what I own is feeling very 'loved' so it's time to update my collection
  • Black ankle boots - mine have finally given up 
  • Jewellery - I'm always wanting more, particularly statement necklaces
  • Curling Tongs - technology quite often goes on sale, I've been wanting some for a while...
  • Basic knits - ideally a grey and black plain round neck
  • LBD
  • Dresses for work
  • A pair of loafers
  • Homeware, I plan to start re-decorating this year, so want to invest now whilst things are cheaper.
  • And anything else on my list....
However, I don't plan to spend much or fulfil all my wants/needs, these things take time and patience.