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

Progress

Firstly: There’s still time to use the EXCLUSIVE OFFER CODE for PrettyandBling’s Etsy shop. Quote RTB10 to get an exclusive 10% OFF any purchase! CLICK HERE!

So, hi from Paris again! How is it October already? Not only October, but over a week into October. And also just over a week until I go home. That means I’ve spent five weeks here, which has gone incredibly fast and, at the same time, feels like an entire year. That’s no bad thing: I have got myself into a routine and feel so much more at ease now; it’s as if I’ve been doing it forever.

However, I haven’t, and I know I still have a lot to learn. Over the last few days, I have listened to, and spoken a lot of French and I really do generally feel like I can understand more, especially when it’s fast. The teachers are really making an effort to help, which is excellent practice for me and they have welcomed me as one of the staff with open arms. In fact, I have been invited to dinner by several of my colleagues which makes me feel a little bit warm and fuzzy as I realise I must be making a good impression!

Read the rest of my Paris post here.

Beautiful, beautiful Montmartre

Etsy buys and an EXCLUSIVE offer!

I am LOVING my new knuckle rings from Etsy shop PrettyandBling, click here to visit her shop (EXCLUSIVE OFFER for her jewellery below). This shop offers a selection of dainty handmade jewellery and comes beautifully packaged. She's based in the UK which was perfect because I didn't have to pay astronomical postage fees to have them shipped from the US. It took me a while to decide if I liked this new knuckle ring thing but actually I’m in love with them! It’s great when I want something a little bit more subtle to wear but still gives my hands that bit of much needed glamour. They are so delicately made, and the gold and silver entwined metals look amazing, and it means I can mix and match it to go with all my jewellery- perfect! They also both looked awesome with my new manicure which lasted the longest any manicure has ever lasted on me, perfect for my new busy French life! The colour was a Jessica polish called Intrigue. 


PrettyandBling has even been kind enough to offer 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE from her shop with this code, exclusive to my blog: RTB10. You're welcome! :) Verdict: Etsy will be my new buying space. Get shopping!