GETTING READY: CHRISTMAS GLAM

Limited Edition Floral Lace Skater Dress - Marks & Spencers (£55.00)

As Christmas fast approaches (less that a week!) so do the invites. Festive gatherings soon fill the dairy, leading me to look at my lacklustre wardrobe in a panic. Sheer panic. Having crusaded the hughstreet endlessly for the perfect soiree dress, I came across the lace detailed dress at good ol' Marks and Sparks whilst stocking up on their Salted Caramel. Situated in their Limited Collection line, this fashion forward range is seriously the bees knees, you can find some amazing gems especially their blouses and coats. Very on point with styling and trends, and of course - excellent quality. 

When Marks and Spencers kindly offered me piece to style over the festive season, you can bet your bottom dollar on what I picked...

Lace dresses are always a winner come Christmas, being so timeless and classic. Although what really caught my eye on this dress was the shoulder lace cap detailing and ribbon panelled front. The lace is so delicate and pretty, feminine and soft, it just happens to be the perfect LLD (little lace dress doncha know). With a floaty chiffon lined skirt, it's simple and sophisticated enough to take you from your work do' to an evening of Christmas drinks with the girls.

Marks and Spencers were also graciously generous to send me these beauty bits to take me from office straight to my Christmas party... 

Ren Rosa Express Make-up Remover - Preferring to take all my slap off and start from scratch, this Ren cleanser couldn't be any easier to use right at your desk. Simply massage in with clean hands and wipe away with cotton pads for a freshly prepped base.

LOLA Lipstick in Cheeky Cherry - For an instant slick of glam, this orange toned red lippie is a mighty show-stopper! I'm trying to embrace this amount of POW! on my mug before I venture out.

Polish in Petrol - You can't beat a festive polish, ditching the classic red, this forest glitter green is long-lasting but does need a good few top coats for a super shiny finish.

Hi-Heel Hosiery - I'm in awe of these tights. They have padded inserts to cushion the balls of your feet. GENUIS! They'll have you dancing the night away to Wham! for sure.

Have you found your perfect Christmas dress?

ESSIE STASHIN'

It's fair to say that I have a full blown crush on Essie (don't judge). After becoming readily available in blighty waters earlier this year, the unique colour ranges and impressive formula have had me smitten. Not forgetting the coveted brush, a large rounded one-nail-coating-genius that it is. One sweep, done, your good to go. With the infamous Mint Candy Apple and the likes of coral Cute as a Button - serious beauty talk here - I thought I would gloss over a few of my a/w faves that have recently hit the beauty stands..

Favourites to Fall For - In-store £12.99

First in is a duo, gifted to me by the lovely Tanya for my birthday. Dubbed 'Favourites to Fall For' seriously hits the nail on the head. Inccluding two of Essie's most coveted shades a dark cherry wine shade Bagama Mama and a cool toned greige Chinchilly. Perfect for the winter season, I find myself switching between the two on rotation. 

Essie Chinchilly - a sleek granite gray.

Bahama Mama - a warm, rich, creamy deep plum.

 Vanity Fairest / A Cut Above 

A combination that truly sparkles for the glittering festive season sees my all time favourite nudey pink Vanity Fairest with the new luxe glitter top coat A Cut Above. With the slightly shimmering pale pink, it was simply asking to be paired with the pink glitter shade (a US buy - but now available over here - hurrah!). You can even buy a similar special edition pairing that Essie have bought out for Christmas here - perfect stocking filler for the ladies in your life.  

Vanity Fairest - a shimmery and sheer pastel pink.

A Cut Above - shattered pink diamond glitz.

Set in Stones / Stylenomics 

Admittedly this dark green shade names Stylenomics was one I picked up in a New York drug store, but the never the less this deep forest green shade is certainly a stylish nod to the festive greens. Paired with a silver sparkle (from the same luxe top coat range as above) Set in Stones is hands down one of the easiest glitter polishes I have used. Easily spread, the varnish to polish ratio is cleverly though out (enter my mathematical make-up know all) but theres nothing worse than a shed load of polish and bits of swimming glitter. 

Stylenomics - a wealthy, rich and opulent dark green.

Set in Stones - disco mirror ball chaos.

Aperitif

You really can't go wrong with a classic slick of red polish, instant glamour and an air of sophistication,  Aperitif plays true to that elegance. I'm formally christening it the perfect red, it's fast become a staple in my 'I'm to tired to think/work out what shade suits this dress' syndromes. Glossy and power-hungry, yes sir re.

Aperitif - an appetizing creamy red.

You can purchase Essie polishes at Boots and Superdrug, or even check out the discounted range at Fragrance Direct (£2.50!).

What are your Essie shades of the moment?

BEJEWELLED

Knitted Crystal Stud Jumper - Topshop £46

Combining my love of statement necklaces and knitwear, this Topshop bejeweled jumper is my knit pick of the season. Who knew jumpers could be so glam? Coming in a plethora of shades, I originally opted for the grey (story of my life) before finally settling for the beautiful deep mulberry shade. I see a new love affair with this dark Oxblood shade forming. As the chill sets in and the dinner invites roll in (who knew catching up with friends was so calorific?) I want to look like I've made a dressy effort without err baring too much skin. Enter the embellished knit, superbly snug with instant polished perfection. Can I have one in each and every colour please? 

STEPPING INTO WINTER

Humble Oak Brogues - Clarkes £54.99

Stepping into winter I decided it was high time to invest in a pair of decent shoes. A self admitted pump worshiper, a slight stranger to boots - I was in the need of something in-between: brogues. Hunting for the right pair became troublesome. They needed to be comfy, good quality (without the horrendous price tag) and patent (looks so much sleeker). Stumbling into Clarkes (not something I do very often) I felt like I was going in for some brand new school kicks. Thankfully however, I was met with quite the stylish range - who knew?! Spotting the Humble Oak Brogues as modelled by the sales assistant, I was smitten. True to her word, not a single blister has formed nor have my feet encountered the rain. Upon wearing these practically everyday, they work wonderfully with any outfit. A true investment - that does slightly make me want to break out in river dance. 

INTERIOR LUST: THE MIRRORED TRAY

Mirrored Tray - Laura Ashley (£35) 

Having turned another year older, I seem to have a new found fascination with interiors. For you know you're growing up right when you long for a tripod lamp, Smeg fridge or a sudden urge you line your drawers with printed wallpaper (I blame Pinterest for that last one). A more recent obsession  of mine are trays, yes trays. 

Having lusted over the mirrored tray from Laura Ashley from afar for months, my brother kindly gifted the vintage-inspired tray for my birthday. Housing all my perfumes, it sits beautifully on my bookshelf. A treasure tray of fragrance. Although I secretly want another to house all my trinkets and jewellery for my dressing table. I'm also borderline obsessed over this trayful serving, think a big bold gold lamp with a vase full of peonies and a stack of mags - perfect!

Am I mental? 

WINTER COUNTRY WALK

With the nights drawing in so early, going for long walks of a summer evening are something I really miss. So making the most of a sunshine filled Sunday, I embarked on a very muddy country walk. Proving the perfect opportunity to finally showcase this years Christmas jumper offering and my new duffle..

Christmas Jumper - ASOS £35 ∙ Duffle - Topshop £89 ∙ Jeggings - Gap £39.95 ∙ Wellies - Hunter £85

A complete winter staple, the duffle coat has been a firm fixture in my wardrobe for as far back as I can remember. Finally coming to terms that my pillar box red coat has seen better days, I settled on this navy offering from Topshop. With a tartan lining and adorable toggles, it's much warmer than any of my other coats - especially with a high collar. Totally embracing my inner Paddington bear.

Settling for a more stylish twist on the classic Christmas jumper (choosing to shun all novelty), as soon as I spotted fairisle pattern and cute white collar I was smitten. ASOS's own stuff is a line I really try and avoid (major hit and miss) but this is ever so comfy and I plan on wearing this too most of the festive dates my diary. 

What Christmas jumper are you sporting this year?

THE MOTHER OF ALL GIFT GUIDES

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.. and boy are we feeling festive! Once again, here lies my annual gift guide - perfect for helping pen your own Christmas list or perusing for your BFF. My love for buying the perfect gift and my skills for window shopping show no bounds so without fourth ado.. go forth and browse...

Note Pad - ASOS ∙ £11 Cake Tin - ASOS £12 ∙ Socks Set - John Lewis £23 ∙ Ring - Dogeared £30 ∙ Watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs £209 ∙ All About Lips Set - Clarins £18 ∙ Fish Eye Camera - ASOS £59 ∙ Mascara Gift Set - Dior £23 ∙ Nail Art Dotter - Bourjoris £3.99 ∙ Take Ten Minis - OPI £28.50 ∙ Wall Art - Monsoon £30 ∙ Paris Street Style Book - ASOS £16

 Necklace - Acessorize £19 ∙ Hat - Topshop £14 ∙ Cashmere Gloves - Johnstons £20 ∙ Fur Coat - Next £65 ∙ Chanel Book - Amazon £16.47 ∙ 2-pk Pouches - H&M £7.99∙ Dotty Mug - M&S £7.50 ∙ Letter Mug - M&S £6 ∙ Tray - Laura Ashley £35 ∙ Boots - Topshop £45

Postman's Lock Agenda - Mulberry £350 ∙ Make-up Bag - Anya Hindmarch £195 ∙ Necklace - Acessorize £15 ∙ Home Maker Subscription here ∙Manicure Set - Cath Kidston £14 ∙ Note Book - Rob Ryan £11.95 ∙ Pink Varnish Duo - Mavala £7.95 ∙ Teddy Dressing Gown - M&S £22.50 ∙ Miu Miu iPhone Case - Net-A-Porter £85 ∙ Bold Brights Lipgloss - Laura Mercier £31 ∙ Knickers - Topshop £3.50 ∙ Map Heart - Bombus £52 ∙ Hug Tickets - Urban Outfitters £5.95

Tote Bag - Alphabet Bags £15 ∙ Brush Set - Aerin £120 ∙ One Prime Day - Benefit £13.50 ∙ Biscuit Mug - Urban Outfitters £12 ∙ Peony + Blush Perfume - Jo Malone £39 ∙ iPad Case - Kate Spade £70 ∙ Nudes Lipgloss - Laura Mercier £31 ∙ Charbonnel Et Walker Truffles - Selfridges £4.49 ∙ Make Me Blush Necklace - Kate Spade £50 ∙ Rose Cross Stitch Set - The Homemakery £15.50 ∙ You Look Lovely Wash Bag - Alphabet Bags £22 ∙ Mini Bow Earrings - Kate Spade £40 

Lipstick Pen - ASOS £2 ∙ Umbrella - Acessorize £15 ∙ Nature Collection - Burts Bees £8.99 ∙ Dressing Gown - Topshop £35 ∙ Honey Bee Favourites - Burts Bees £5.39 ∙Lipstick and Varnish Set - Dior £47 ∙ Varnish - Topshop £5 ∙ Skincare Set - Nars £95 ∙ Mini Mouse Note Book - Moleskin £18.50 ∙ Hair Dryer - Remington £27 ∙ Pumps - Topshop £20

 Rose Flask - Urban Outfitters £14 ∙ Desk Tidy - Cath Kidston £14 ∙ Bed Socks - Cath Kidston £8 ∙  Gift Coin - Liberty £10 ∙ Rose Jumper - Cath Kidston £65 ∙ Blush / Bronzer - Nars £30 ∙ Tangle Teezer - ASOS £10.20 ∙ Plasters - Hello Kitty £5 ∙ Rifle & Co Journal - Liberty £14 ∙ Cross Stitch iPhone Case - BHS £6 ∙ iPad Cover - Topshop £16 ∙ Sewing Box - Liberty £14.95

Initial Necklace - Dogeared £30 ∙ Sticky Notes - Topshop £3.50 ∙ Varnish - Topshop £5 ∙ Ambiant Lighting Palette - Hourglass £56 ∙ iPhone Case - H&M £3.99 ∙ Heart Jam Jar - John Lewis £3 ∙ Purse - Marc by Marc Jacobs £175 ∙ Clutch Bag - H&M £14.99 ∙ Indulgent Set - Caudalie £27 ∙ Hedgehog Measuring Cups - Anthropologie £32 ∙ Monogrammed Mug - Anthropologie £8

Necklace - Acessorize £19 ∙ Hair Set - Macadamia £21.88 ∙ Christmas Tin - Biscuiteers £30 ∙ Trial Pack - Macadamia £6.93 ∙ Mask Marvels - Origins £25 ∙ Game of Thrones - Amazon £16 ∙ Starter Set - Ren £12 ∙ Eyeliner Set - Anastasia Beverly Hills £16 ∙ Secret Garden Colouring Book - Amazon £5.73∙ London Phone Case - Rifle Paper Co £24 ∙ Cleanse + Polish - Liz Earle £19.75 ∙ Brush Set - Stila £29.50

Necklace - New Look £5.99 ∙ Pencils - Cath Kidston £8 ∙ 'B' Tea Cup - Urban Outfitters £25 ∙ Make-up Bag - Ted Baker £25 ∙ Ray Ban Wayfarers - Net-A-Porter £120 ∙ iPhone Case - Rifle Paper Co £24 ∙ Plaid Scarf - Gap £19.50 ∙ Sewing Kit - Cath Kidston £15 ∙ Mirror - Chanel £25 ∙ Paris Ring Dish - Anthropologie £10 ∙ Bird Trinket Box - Monsoon £15

Where's Wally - Urban Outfitters £9.99 ∙ Lonely Planet's Best Ever Photography Tips - Urban Outfitters £4.50 ∙ Mug - Rob Ryan £8.95 ∙ Lip Balm Set - Kielhs £19 ∙ Lip Set - Nars £30 ∙ Little Leon's Cookbooks - Leon £5.99 ∙ Baking Kit - Topshop £12.99 ∙ Initial Necklace - Urban Outfitters £10 

Collar Necklace - Acessorize £19 ∙ Check Scarf - Acessorize £19 ∙ Bright Eyes - YSL £48.50 ∙Velvet Slippers - Liberty £39 ∙ Hair Set - Philip Kingsley £19.99 ∙ Brush Set - Tom Ford ∙YSL Varnish Collection - Selfridges £395

Morning to Midnight Set - Origins £40 ∙ Kenzo Tiger Necklace - Liberty £125 ∙ Nutella Recipe Book - Urban Outfitters £8.99 ∙ Rose Hip Collection - Trilogy £20.50 ∙ Brush Set - Nars £55 ∙Above Knuckle Ring - The Bohemian Collective £26 ∙ Shoes - Acessorize £25 ∙ Jumper - River Island £35 ∙ Hair Set - Kerastace £30.95  

Forever being classed as the girl that has everything (ok - I might do) if I can find 128+ things to gift the leading ladies in your life this Christmas, I truly hope your festive shopping is a touch easier.. especially with these tempting offers..

∙ ASOS - 20% off 20EXTRA

∙ Selfridges - 20% off with code SELF13

∙ Oasis - 20% off with code DECTREAT

∙ Urban Outfitters - 20% off with code PARTY

∙ Topshop - 20% off selected items + free delivery

∙ New Look - 20% off with code NLVCCY35

∙ Cath Kidston - 15% off with code ELF15

∙ Benefit - 15% off with code CHEER

∙ Office - 20% off with code ELF

∙ Kurt Geiger - 25% off with code F&FKG25

∙ The White Company - 20% off with code AC888

∙ Miss Selfridge - extra 10% off 50% event with code TREAT10VC

∙ John Lewis - 10% brand match prices (includes Mulberry)

∙ Look Fantastic - 15% off with code LOOKNOVVC

∙ Feel Unique - £4.50 off orders of £30 with code vccouk450 / 10% off with FESTIVE

∙ Boots - Black Friday offers 

∙ Zara Home - 30% off selected styles

∙ Pull & Bear - 20% off new styles (love the boots!)

∙ M&S - 30% off luxury beauty brand gifts (in. Nuxe, Ren etc)

∙ Space NK - free delivery 

∙ Whistles - 20% off 

∙ House of Fraser - 40% off brand event 

∙ Anthropologie - 20% off

∙ Dorothy Perkins - 30% off

What gift would you love to receive from above? I would love to know!