June wishlist

Summer always brings tempting new products in the shops which put my bank balance in danger. This year is no exception with gorgeous prints and feminine cuts, plus numerous other goodies that I would like to purchase immediately. So here's 10 things on my wishlist this month...

1. What Would Audrey Do from Oliver Bonas. 
Audrey Hepburn's fabulousness overwhelms me. I'm a huge fan and absolutely love to watch her. So imagine my excitement when I stumbled across this new addition to the collection of books in Oliver Bonas. I want to put on my pearls and flick through every single page aspiring to ooze the Hepburn charm.

2. Floral short wellies from Joules.
Summer showers? Preparing for festival season? Joules have got you covered. I love love love these ones in particular because of the floral print, but there are loads of others to choose from.

3. Branch rings from Pia.
Tried these on in the shop and instantly fell in love. So dainty, so pretty, so me. 

4. Floral frill duvet cover from John Lewis.

As you know, homewares are my weakness and I've got my eye on another duvet to go with my newly neutral room. This is particularly cute with the detailing.

5. Cap sleeve dress from French Connection.

I just love the colour and pattern of this dress. With a light coloured blazer and a pair of nude heels, it would just look so perfectly summery and elegant. Plus, it's in the sale! The temptation is real.

6. Run tank from Sweaty Betty.

Oh, Sweaty Betty... If only my bank account had the funds, I would repeatedly buy everything in your shops. For now though, this is a definite favourite for summer running in a bright colour (but not too bright, this is me after all!) but lose enough to benefit from nice evening breezes.

7. Molly skirt from Boden.

I originally saw this on Cider with Rosie (post here - definitely check out her blog, it's awesome) and got a lovely surprise because it's also got money off at the moment. Rosie pulls it off so well in her post that I was immediately tempted, even more so when I saw that Boden pair it with the striped breton I also have!

8. Stripe zip tee from Mint Velvet.

Speaking of striped tops... Here's one I love because the zip detailing makes it a little bit different. I also find Mint Velvet is a bit hit and miss - I normally love all the colours and shades but struggle to like some of the styles which aren't very flattering on me. This top, however, is a hit with me!

9. Scallop trim swimsuit from Topshop.

I think I'm probably with the majority of the population who love this swimsuit. I feel like I've seen it everywhere. When I finally tracked it down, I fell in love with it even more. Super cute with a retro vibe, I'd be perfectly happy if they wanted to design a similar top.

10. Alison shirt from Crew Clothing.

Perfectly cool for a summer preppy look, this shirt paired with white shorts or crops would be totally dreamy. 

Like anything you see here? Do you have anything that you're loving at the moment? As always, I'd love to hear from you!

March wishlist

There are so many pretty things in the shops right now that I'm running out of dribble to drool over them. So I thought I'd do the next best thing and post about what I'm lusting after so that my bank account doesn't have to suffer the effects...

1. Baking Scales from Urban Outfitters, also available in pink and mint. 
These basically sum up what my future kitchen will look like - vintage, cute and oh-so-chic. I'd probably have to justify the spend by actually cooking/baking though...

2. Eiffel Tower drawer pull from Oliver Bonus. 

If you know me well, you know I love Paris to a point where it's probably borderline obsessive. So imagine my joy when I found this beauty. Verrrry convenient since I'll be doing a lot of furniture updated over Easter. Stay tuned for more details...

3. Bronte by Moon Stripe throw from John Lewis, in beige or grey. 

I went slightly crazy on the John Lewis website when I saw that one of their trends for SS15 is Maison. As you can imagine, any home décor that is vaguely French-themed is a winner with me. This gorgeous throw would be perfect with the new neutral colour scheme I'm going for when I redecorate my room.

4. White Shop Puritan Stitch Towel from John Lewis, in oyster/putty. 

So I'm an old lady now and one of my greatest pleasures is looking at homewares for the house I plan to own someday.  These are so perfect; if someone were to embody my tastes in towel-form, this would be it. Très chic.

5. Modalu Pippa Grab Bag, in blush. 

I purchase a black Pippa bag last summer and never looked back. This price made me seriously hesitate but out of all the handbags out there, this is the only one that's made me go, 'oh my god, that bag is so me and I kind of want it... Really, really badly'. I'm not overly a bag person but it's one of the best investment pieces I own. So it kind of goes without saying that I'd loove one in this blush colour for the summer season. It's going to have to happen at some point. Maybe I'll reward myself with my first paycheck.

6. Cooperative ribbed knit tank top from Urban Outfitters, also available in dark yellow.

This is so super sweet for Spring, and I love the denim skirt it's paired with here. In colder weather I'd wear it with light blue jeans and ankle boots. 

7. Murano skirt from Reiss, in blue. 

Being a working woman in a few months time (eeeeek!!) I'm starting to think about my work wardrobe. I absolutely adore the colour of this skirt, but it would have to be an investment piece. There's also a matching jacket. Swoon.

8. Cece Stone stacking rings from Z for Accessorize. 

I love this range at Accessorize, but I still haven't purchase anything because I'm scared the 'gold plated' will still make my fingers go green. If anyone has purchased anything, let me know below whether it does! I love dainty jewellery like this to incorporate into my daily jewellery accessories. 

9. Nail polish from Topshop, in Mannequin. 

Wanting a sort of nudey colour for summer, and something a bit more understated. Topshop polish is always a winner.

10. Shorts pyjama set from Next. 

Such a pretty nightwear set, and they have loads of other lovely sets at the moment, including these shorts. Very reasonably priced too.

Autumn Style

It’s November: think beautiful colours in the trees; think chilly mornings and gorgeous sunrises; think curling up with a mug of hot chocolate; and most of all think of those gorgeous layers and accessories you can pull back out of hiding.

I have finally invested in a long cream chunky knit cardigan, with elbow patches, from Zara. It’s great for laying and I love wearing it over dresses, to make a previously summery look, a bit more suitably autumnal.

I also eventually decided on the pair of boots I wanted and purchased them recently from Clarks (find them here). Clarks’ shoes always have reasonably hefty price tags, but failing to find what I wanted anywhere else, I tried these on in the shop and they are the comfiest boots I have ever worn. Seriously. I should listen to mum more: it really is worth paying more for quality. While I was on a roll, I also got this bag which matches, and I have had a lot of compliments on it. I have to admit, with the price tags I was unsure about keeping both after having bought them (I’ve become obsessive about spending even a penny of my money) but am so glad I have kept them- I can tell they will be season staples.

At this point, I should probably confess that I have an extreme obsession for accessories this season. I don’t know where it’s come from, but anything from adorable cloche hats and snoods, to structured totes and statement necklaces, prompts little heart signs to form in my eyes. I really do need a job! This is going to be an expensive year!

Here’s some of the things I’m obsessed with at the moment and have treated myself to in the last few months...

• Pretty earrings: these were actually my prom earrings bought from a small independent boutique.

• Statement necklaces: to glam up any outfit! I like wearing them over jumpers or plain long sleeved tops.

£20, Next

£10, Next

•  Loving hats generally: very Parisian chic, and adds that little touch of class.

Cloche hat in aubergine, £25, M&S

• Anything fluffy!!! I obsessed over this combination for so long, I was particularly drawn to the warm fleece lining of the snood. So glad I finally invested though as the snood has certainly served me well already. The prices noted here are RRPs. I don't think I actually paid full price for any of it, which makes all these treats that little bit sweeter.

Hat, £20 and snood (fleece lined) £25, both Oasis

A Little Trip to Bath

When I finally got around to visiting my godparents in Bath, it turned out to be a beautiful weekend which was perfect for seeing the sights of the city. Getting off the train, we had a bit of afternoon tea in The Pump Room, next to the Roman Baths, and I had the most incredible mocha ever. Then we took a little tour and saw the town centre, the cathedral and Pulteney bridge. I indulged in a brown quilted Joules jacket in the sale as we made our way back. And I have determined that I definitely want to own a house on either the Royal Crescent or the Circus at some point in my life! Successful trip. And as always, thank you to my lovely godparents- they are superstars.

My new quilted jacket, made that little bit sweeter by being in the sale.