A/W Wardrobe Wishing

Stuck between a rock and a hard place. A phrase nails both the weather and how feel about dressing. Not quite ready to embrace my trusty black tights, neither however am I ready to ditch the pretty pastels that adorn my wardrobe. So whilst I pretend I've got this transitional styling thing down, I'll leave you with the next season pieces that are capturing my full attention:

Brogues - M&S ∙ Trench - M&S ∙ Animal Print Crew - Warehouse ∙ Leather Biker - Topshop ∙ Curve Grey Skirt - Topshop ∙ Grey Sweater (with bejewelled fastening!) - Zara ∙ Slogan Tee - Zara ∙ Moccasin - Zara ∙ Pink Check Scarf - Miss Selfridge ∙ Printed Dress - Zara ∙ Lace Trim Top - Warehouse ∙ Floral Dress - Warehouse 

As you can see, both Marks & Spencers, Warehouse and Zara are dominating the style stakes. With a peek at their A/W press day during the height of summer, I was completely smitten with all that M&S had to offer. A complete game changer, their autumn staples are topping my must-haves. Take the Burberry-esq trench, well cut and smouldering for less than hundred bucks, not forgetting the fierce burgundy brogues are calling my name.

Warehouse is another brand that has risen to the challenge to compete with the likes of Whistles and Toppers, with a slightly higher price point I'm feeling a flirt coming along with leopard print knitwear but staying in my comfort zone with floral printed dresses and my standard uniform of cream blouses garnished with a touch of lace.

Tell me, are you feeling the excitement of autumn? Nothing beats coat shopping! 

5 TO DO: Life Admin

Time rushes on by so quickly, so every once and a while I like to indulge in a little life admin. This mostly includes a to-do list the length of my arm, takes place on a (lazy) Sunday and mostly results in a life overhaul. You know those things that you just never seem to get around to doing? From sorting out bank statements to binning your overflowing purse of receipts - it's time to get organised.

- Paper work: file the important stuff, shred the rest. Seriously. Invest in a decent filing system (who said it doesn't have to be pretty?) and organise all your important documents this includes student loan forms, insurance details, bank statements and receipts. Anything else, shred. You'll thank yourself for it later.

- You won't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket, so why bother pretending to save if you're doing it half assed? Book an appointment with the bank to look at the right account (ISA's where it's at) and set up a direct debit - or heck, even buy a ceramic piggy bank - and feel a sense of achievement (instead of sheer panic) every time you log into your online banking.

- Organise your digital space. Is your iPhone running slow or your desktop a crazed crowd? Sync and delete. Take time to delete old photos, files and programs. On my Mac Book I have separate folders for personal bits, blog photos and any work, also make time to empty the trash and downloads folder.

- Book in those all important dates. For those who never quite get around to booking into the hairdressers or dentist, shame on you. All it takes is a phone call, if you have to change it nearer the time, thats fine, but get into the routine of re-booking and you'll never miss another hot date again.

- To-Do On-The-Go. Taking full advantage of my Notes app on my iPhone, I continuously jot down ideas, things to do and even pen blog posts on the go. You never seem to have a pen when you need one, but nine times out of ten your phone will be in your hand, so get tapping!

Whilst you're on a roll why not: deep clean your wardrobe (yep!), wash your hair brush, recycle any old magazines, untangle all those pretty necklaces, clean out your handbag and finally, give yourself a pedi as a pampering treat. Bliss. 

What tips do you have for staying organised?

An Introduction to Jurlique

Australian skincare brand Jurlique has subtly been on my radar ever since firm fan Michelle and I jetted off to Morroco, always intrigued and drawn in by their organic ingredients and natural products, I was delighted when they got in touch to sample their Herbal Recovery range...

Grown organically on their South Australian farm, Jurlique commit themselves to creating skincare in its most natural state, using ingredients in their most purest form. Having never dabbled in natural skincare, I was excited at the prospect of seeing if it had any effect on my skin. With a slightly higher price tag than I normally splash out on, I gave the Herbal Recovery line my full attention over the last month or so. 

A range dedicated to age prevention, it helps protect the skin from the first signs of ageing with potent botanicals and antioxidants. A collection well and truly suited to my skin, I sampled both the serum and night cream, as well as the eye cream each evening after cleansing.

Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum: A lightweight (slightly runny) serum that covers your face in just two small pumps, it promises a bevy of miraculous claims, from restoring radiant skin to minimising pores, even smoothing over your complexion for clearer looking skin. It could certainly talk the talk, but did it walk the walk? Completely. I was blown away. The results weren't instant, but after a week I was amazed at just how my skin looked fresher, smoother and surprisingly, the pores on my t-zone were blurred and minimised. And if that doesn't have you giddy, what will?

Herbal Night Recovery Cream: I envisioned this to be a rich thick cream, but really it's a gel/lotion formulation that offers instant hydration and works as the perfect side-kick to the serum. Again a little goes a long way and I felt the duo combined were a match made. It was fast absorbing and didn't clog pores and neither left a tacky feel on the skin after. 

Herbal Recovery Eye Cream: A guilty confession, I can give or take an eye cream, I'm an avid stickler in the morning - but come evening I'm prone to forgetting. A slave to my thick and creamy Kiehls Avocado eye cream, the Herbal Recovery was a very light runny lotion in contrast. I didn't see any heroic transformations, however it would certainly be a good eye cream for morning application. 

Have you ever tried Jurlique? Next on my list to try is the Rosewater Balancing Mist! If you fancy dabbling with natural skincare, the brand do a cracking range of try-me kits if you want to try before you fully indulge.  

Style: 5 Summer Must-Haves

Each season we are dictated which trends and fashion pieces we should be wearing head to toe - well duh Sarah, I hear you cry, we get how fashun works. Pairing it down however and choosing what trend to buy into is another task in itself. I could spend all day telling you how horrendous even the idea of birkenstocks, sliders and hipster buns are, but alas I bring to you my top 5 you should be adding to your summer style...

Coral Midi ∙ Lilac Co-ord ∙ Scallop Crop ∙  Skort ∙ Printed Trousers ∙ Pink Co-ord ∙ Lace Crop 

1 / midi

The rise of the midi has long been on the cards. While the maxi is not officially out, the mini has been shoved aside for the work friendly style that offers a retro feel without the anxious 'shit, I haven't fake tanned' panic. The perfect transitional piece for when blighty weather can't make up it's temperamental mind, I'm a total midi convert.

2 / skort

Is is a skirt? Is it a short? It's a skort silly! For a girl that was never a stranger to daring hemlines, the skort is the fail safe way to be adventurous without flashing your knickers. Playing with different styles and shapes, yes it's a bit weird - but it's kinda cool right?

3 / co-ord

I'm all for matchy matchy, especially a cute printed co-ord for girl-next-door style. Served up in a variety of styles, shades and statement prints, whatever your go-to combo, I most certainly have my eye on the blouse and skirt offerings. Girl fashion math at it's best for versatile style.

4 / croppped

On first appearances the very thought of a crop top filled my soul with fear. I'm not quite that ready to flash the flash (not sure the general public are ready for this jelly) but paired over a bikini on the beach or dressing up a midi, I'm slowly converting.

5 / printed trousers

The trend that's single handedly taking over my wardrobe. Intent on adding print to my style, the highstreet is awash with statement florals and graphic printed trousers. Brownie points for loose fitting styles that basically feel like you're wearing your PJ's. WINNER!

What are your top trends for S/S14?

There's a sure place in hell for birkenstocks, sliders and hipster buns. Just sayin'.

Beauty Talk : Travelling with Laura Mercier

When it comes to traveling, packing light has become a skill I've definitely mastered over the years. With a penchant for overpacking in the past, I decided to get organised and get this packing lark down to a T. A little help from a remarkable custom pallette from Laura Mercier - it's fair to say, I've got it down. 

Custom Compact - Laura Mercier 

As much as it pains me to admit, no holiday ever calls for an assortment of blushers. I mean, I don't think beach blusher is a thing.. yet? Either way, scrap what I just said, for the sleek Laura Mercier custom compact has paved the way for a wardrobe of colour. Allowing you to interchange blushers and shadows, each single item bought from LM actually pops out of its packaging to pan-like form to sit nice and pretty in your custom compact. Perfect for traveling or stashing in your handbag, its all rather genius. 

With a love of LM blushes, I have steadily built up quite the collection. From the pop of pink in the shade of Heather Pink (kindly gifted to me from Michelle) to the muted but every flattering Vintage Pink to my all-time favourite, instant completion brightener Lotus Pink. Sitting pretty in my custom palette, I dare not upgrade to the six pan palette!

Have you ever spotted this savvy LM palette? Also - how do the LM eyeshadows fare, anyone tried? 

5 For The Agenda: Summer

Can you quite believe that we are deep into the throws of summer already? Even the weather is playing ball - thanking you mr sunshine! Making the most of these warmer weekends couldn't be easier, whether you are planning alfresco feasts with friends or checking out your local lido (how retro), topping my agenda for the month of August you will most certainly find the following:

1 / brunch

Not breakfast and not quite lunch, but brunch. A rather delicious idea, even more fabulous if you throw an avocado BLT into the mix with a cheeky prosecco. It makes the perfect recovery from the night before and a great excuse to catch up with the girls. My recent haunt has to be The Riding House Cafe (see here), with plans to visit Jackson & Rye and Gail's in the pipeline.

2 / strawberry picking 

Most certainly one of the most nostalgic past-times of my childhood, strawberry picking was and still is wonderful summertime treat. Who doesn't love the sweet taste of a juicy strawberry plucked straight from the field it grew in? Granted you eat more than what actually fills your basket, but there are plenty of pick-your-own farms still dotted around, even in the capital! Read all about them here.


3 / pampering o'clock


It's not often you'll find me booked in for a pampering treatment, but come the summer months I'm all for a pedicure. Wear those coveted SS14 sandals you lusted over since the beginning of the year with pride and hop on over to the Cheeky Parlour in Shoreditch for some much needed pedi time. Cowshed's younger and hipper sister, Cheeky offers barginous treatments with a lick of paint mani for as little as 8 bucks, they also do brunch. Need I say more.


4 / the library


You'll be forgiven if you think I'm chatting about a new trendy 'London' thing, for really I just mean your local library. I'm a firm believer in supporting our local libraries and not letting them fade away; so put down your kindle and go suss out your latest travel guide, be inspired by the recipe book section, or hell - even track down that new must-read for your beach hol.


5 / fresh flower picking


Did you know that imported flowers in your local florist clock up millions of air miles that are bad for the environment? Me, neither (read this for more info). So why not embrace the outdoors and pick your own bouquet of blooming flowers at the array of flower farms around the county. A wonderful idea if you're getting hitched or if you fancy handpicking a bunch of English florals.

What's on your radar for the rest of August?

An English Rose: Hever Castle

Earlier in the week, Matthew and I had a rare day off together so to make the most of the beautiful sunshine we have been blessed with, we made our way to Hever Castle. Set in the sprawling fields of the Kent countryside, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII doomed wives. Rich with history and majestic sights to behold, the castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a rather mammoth lake. Settling down with a picnic, we polished off some cheese sarnies and off we set to explore the gardens once again... 

As soon as you step within the Italian gardens, the most overwhelming fragrant scent of roses takes over. Ranging from vibrant orange to mellow yellows, with soft pinks and fresh white roses in between, the garden is home to over 4,000 roses, each plucked and pruned with dedicated care from the gardeners.

The castle's very own rose, Hever Rose.

T-shirt - Gap ∙ Midi Skirt - Anthropologie ∙ Flats - New Look ∙ Tote - Next ∙ Sunglasses - Marc Jacobs  ∙ Necklace - Gift 

An enchanting day out, one couldn't quite resist the allure of the rum and raisin ice-cream!

Have you ever visited Hever Castle? Matthew and I have visited quite a few times, I would love to pop back in the autumn and see all the freshly fallen leaves.