Travel Bag Treats

I have very fond memories of shopping for holiday toiletries in boots. The ultimate "chancer", I would fill my mother's basket with products for all eventualities – mountains of magicool, scores of suncare products – before trying my luck in the cosmetics section. "Muuuum of course I need another lipgloss – and, look, this one has SPF, do you WANT me to have burnt lips?!" On reflection, I sound a total brat, but hey, think of those advantage card points.

I have always been very good at spending other people's money, less so my own. As I have grown older (and started paying for my own sunscreen, plasters and travel toothbrushes) I have become rather frugal in my pre-holiday spending. Sure, there are some products necessary for the summer months - sunscreen and Autan- but who delights in buying those? Instead, I prefer to spend my money on the products I want, rather than need.

I am referring to my travel bag treats; the luxuries that prove you needn't abandon your beauty regime just because weight restrictions apply. Here are this year's picks.

Isn't He Marvelous?

Father's Day is just around the corner, so if you're looking for a fabulous gift for your number one man, then look no further than Byredo's charming Mister Marvelous eau de parfum.

Byredo is my preferred perfume house of the moment, for I am obsessed with the vibrant Flowerhead scent of wild jasmine blossoms and angelica seeds. I like to find an unusual scent, and Byredo's complex blends fit the bill. Based in Stockholm, Byredo was founded by Ben Gorham in 2006 and the line can now be found in Liberty.

The earthy Gypsy Water scent, perhaps the most popular, is unisex, but Mister Marvelous is just pour hommes.  Mister Marvelous is inspired by hairstylist Christiaan Houtenbos, the man who Ben Gorham sees to embody the Byredo brand. The scent is fresh at first with notes of mandarin leaf and neroli bloom, a heart of bamboo and lavender, and an inviting base of black amber and cedarwood.

Encased in the signature Byredo bottle, the scent makes for an elegant father's day gift for all manner of marvelous misters.

The eau de parfum is £130 for 100ml, available here.

Get Your Neon On

Okay so tomorrow is the start of May, today I went out in a strappy camisole and a lace jacket from The Kooples and this afternoon I received an email from Company magazine reminding me that it was almost a year ago that I took part in Company Grads 2012 (read about it here if you've forgotten!). I am 20 next year and will be a graduate by next Summer. This is scary- i'm practically a grown-up.

In the mean time, rather than getting all teary about this being my last year as a teenager, I shall instead do a bright and beautiful post with a whole lot of glowing neon products to put a big summery smile on my face.

Smile, guys, it's Summer (ish)!

1. Essie polishes are my favourite. There, I said it, let's just all move on. They are so richly pigmented and always in the most glorious colours with the cheekiest, cheeriest names. Their new neon collection for 2013 is deliciously juicy and I want every last shade. This bubblegum shade is called Bottle Service.

2. Acid green nails are not to everyone's taste, granted, but with a name like Shake Your $$ Maker, how could you resist this funky shade?  A tan is an essential, i'd imagine, but go for this shade if your feeling a little brave. 

3. Orange you lovely! Gosh, one day i'll cease with the embarrassing puns, but that day is not today. This acidic orange shade is perfect to pep up your nude studded sandals and it has a suitably uplifting name: Saturday Disco Fever!

4. This refreshing purple shade reminds me of Atelier-To-Go and, of course, for that reason I love it. DJ Play That Song is like parma violets on acid and would look amazing worn with hot pink sandals or lashings of aqua (my new favourite hue... as this instagram shot shows)

5. Topshop's fashion-forward budget beauty collections really are second to none, and this sexy peach Lip Bullet is fabulous for adding a little vivacity to your make-up bag and will bring a tropical touch to a "bare-faced" look.

6. Another gem from Topshop, this Bombshell lipstick just screams 90s nostalgia! In a clear case with an almost gelatinous look, this bubblegum pink shade is great fun. Get them feelin' Hella Good with this fabulous fuschia. 

7. I spotted this Ciaté polish a couple of days ago on my Twitter feed and I have been getting rather excited about it since. An interpretation of the famous Caviar set, this bad boy glows in the dark: seriously! Read more about Ciaté Corrupted Neon here.

8. The Red Roses scent from Jo Malone is one of the most iconic fragrances of recent years, and all with good reason. It is soft, sweet and feminine but also still a little musky and certainly rather sophisticated. In her new role as Style Editor to the brand, Charlotte Stockdale has updated the scent by dipping in neon pink paint with a limited run of 300, each one individually engraved. Available exclusively at Selfridges, Charlotte's neon collection also offers a number of other pretty rosy treats with a little fluoro-floral touch.

9. Burberry beauty is usually all about redefining sultry nude shades, but this new lipgloss shade, Pink Sweet Pea, takes a new direction with a zingy, poppy colour and luxuriously glossy finish. It is £18.50 at Harvey Nichols here. 

10. The go-to beauty brand for all things bold and theatrical, if you're looking for a show-stopping lip colour then you need not look much further than Illamasqua. Though it is certainly not one for shrinking violets, this Intense lipgloss in Indulge is a bit of a corker. Pucker up boys! It is £14.50 here. 

11. Be a blushing beauty with this Love blush from Lancome. A pearly blush with an apricot core and candy pink trim, this blusher is flecked with light-reflecting particles to make it the ideal partner to gloriously bold lips. The packaging is rather cute too! The perfect gift, this blusher is £34 from Harvey Nichols here. 

Pursuit of Prettiness: March's Best in Beauty

Okay, it does NOT actually feel like March. 

Today I have been constantly freezing, so much so that, on return to my flat, I invented a new form of hot yoga which consists of shoulder standing in front of Rachel's electric heater. You heard it here first, guys, I don't want Deborah Meaden and that Dragon's Den lot cashing in on this beauty of an idea before I get this trademarked.

Anyway, I digress (as per), for this post is actually nothing to do with the temperature, nor is it even remotely linked to yoga.

In fact, this post harks back to my age old pursuit of prettiness. I've not done one of these posts in a while, so I thought i'd kill a few birds with one stone and combine this post with another idea of mine.

In honour of Crufts, I thought i'd do a little Best in Beauty thing, rosettes and all. Hopefully, if this works out, I shall be doing one every month to keep you all up to date with the products which actually work... In my view, that is.

While I still may look nothing like Rosie Huntington Whiteley, my pursuit of prettiness has not been a total failure to date and I have tried some truly wonderful products that I would definitely recommend.  

Here are a few favourites for March. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I have truly awful circulation. When I spotted the Elemental Herbology SOS Circulation Serum on Space NK I was more than a little bit intrigued to give it a try. With specific instructions on how to apply, massaging only in specific areas and motions, followed by a cup of natural herbal tea, this vibrantly scented balm certainly smells invigorating. The active ingredients include grapefruit which is known to boost the blood circulation to the skin and I have found that this aromatic gel has a firming, cooling effect which certainly gets the blood flowing to the extremities. I think I have a new favourite skincare brand, actually, having been sent a few samples of the Elemental Herbology facial products... Their delicate cleanser has the most calming, soothing scent and makes cleansing and moisturising at deeply therapeutic process. Shop the range here. 

It's taken me long enough to actually try it, but now I FINALLY get what all the fuss is about Moroccan Oil. I have heard such great things over the years- backstage at shows, from stylists on shoots, at various magazines- but I have never actually tried it for myself.

I have to admit that I was nervous to apply oil to my hair. My hair is fine, albeit dry, and very rarely looks healthy and bouncy (you can find out about my hair growth attempts here), and therefore I felt that adding oil would just bring in a little greasiness to the mix: not ideal.

However, this oil is a miracle worker. It is light- just a couple of pumps on the midlengths and ends of damp hair and you'll start to notice a difference immediately. It makes my damaged hair feel smooth, silken and, above all, healthy.

It really is a cult product for a reason and i'd highly recommend it.

During London Fashion Week I was lucky enough to be invited along to the Handpicked Media LFW Lounge at The beautiful One Aldwych hotel over the weekend. On the Friday, we were joined by a few of the lovely girls from Superdry, promoting their latest launch: Superdry Beauty. With an assortment of beauty staples in bright packaging, in keeping with the Superdry brand, this range is full of great fun beauty products at great prices. Their Kabuki brush is a real standout (it's so soft and popped up in British Vogue this month) as are their great nail polish colours. Bold, zingy and fun, this Soda Pop shade was my shade of choice during fashion week, the perfect way to pep up a dull March day. The polish is £6 and the brush £14, you can purchase in boutiques or online here. 

I must admit that I have always been a little sceptical of BB creams. It is not easy going for minimal, natural coverage when your skin is erupting in stress-induced spots or dotted with angry acne scarring. When I take off my mask of make-up, what's underneath is not exactly a blessing!

 I have tried a couple of BB Creams but, I must admit, they were nothing to write home about until now. The Bourjois BB 8 in 1 compact is exclusive to Selfridges and I have found this cream to powder formula works wonders for my combination skin.

Nothing makes a complexion look worse than caked foundation and powder, and this balmy compact offers a matte, airbrushed finish just with a few little sweeps across the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose. While I may still have to layer this with a little (read: a lot!) concealer, if you're blessed with decent skin, this one is about to make your make-up bag a whole lot lighter!

This is, perhaps, the third or fourth time I have featured the Jo Malone Sugar & Spice collection on my blog but oh my goodness, they are just the nicest scents around for Spring. They really do smell edible! Each time I have worn the Ginger Biscuit, The Redcurrant and Cream and the Chocolate Orange, I have been complimented on my perfume and asked about it. There is something charming about being asked what you're wearing and replying "Ginger Biscuit". It's spicy, warm and sweet. It's also good enough to eat. 

I am tempted to stock up on these- it breaks my heart that this is a limited edition collection - I want them all!

I hope you liked my post- if you would like to read more of my beauty posts, click here.

Comments are always welcome, you lovely lot! 

Flutter, Flirt and Frolic

Firstly I must apologise that i've been posting rather rarely of late, university work is getting the better of me unfortunately and every single time I go to write a post, I seem to fall asleep. I fear that this is old age getting to me, as i'm now officially 19. EEK.

I also must apologise that the visuals for this post aren't exactly amazing for I'm working, for the time being, from my sister's laptop which has no Photoshop (shock horror)... Back to basics I go.

Anyhoo, Valentines day is this coming week, so I thought it high time to post a little beauty guide on how to optimise your flirtation factor on the 14th.

FACE

1. This Revlon PhotoReady Powder  (£11.29) is a hero product of mine. I have been using it for a few months now and I really can't get enough of it. The powder is finely milled with light reflecting particles. It doesn't cake in the slightest and really does softly airbrush the skin without caking even slightly. Just layer over your choice of Beauty Balm or Foundation for a radiant, romantic complexion.

2. I have been itching to try a Beauty Balm for a while (I know, i'm rather behind the times) and this one from Dr Jart+ is a great one to start out. I opted for the Regenerating Beauty Balm (£14 here) and have found it a lovely, light base for a freshfaced glow. Plus it's so easy to apply, just a little bit goes a long way.

3. The one beauty product I really can't cope without is the NARS Blusher in Orgasm. It is a cult product for a reason, trust me, and this peachy pink blusher is every bit as good as the name suggests. It is £21.50 but really is worth every last penny. The image I have above, I have realised only now, is not actually of the correct blusher, but I honestly can't recommend this prettifying powder enough.

4. A little tip off from my marvellous mum, this Lancome Effet Miracle Primer/ Blemish Balm is an absolute godsend. I could even go as far as to say it is the best primer I have ever tried. It is a sure way to get strokeably smooth skin. Now, just to save up that £26 to buy my own!

EYES

1. Nothing says flirtation quite like luscious fluttering eyelashes, and these Shu Uemura eyelash curlers are the best out there, without a shadow of a doubt. A make-up artist I worked with recently referred to them as his 'Shu's'... Perfect for those of us who can't quite pronounce the full brand name. It'll be the best £20 you ever spent, ladies.

2. Only recently have I been informed of the totally transformative quality of strong, slick eyebrows. They actually do make such a difference in framing the face and all it takes is a little bit of contouring with a kit like this ELF one which is a ridiculous bargain at £3.75, available in four colourways. It is the perfect way to cheat that natural beauty look that your Mr. Right will adore.

3. Now, let us get back to those flirtatious fluttering eyelashes. I have recently been trying out this new mascara sample from Bourjois, and I must admit that I am very impressed with this FAN-TASTIC VOLUME edition. I've always said that Bourjois mascaras are the best budget option (alongside Max Factor) and this new one, with a fan-shaped comb, lengthens and intensifies eyelashes a treat. It is just £9.99 and is great for creating a wide-eyed natural look that is perfect for catching his eye.

LIPS

1. Ready to pucker up? This sugary pink lipstick from Topshop make-up in Macaroon is a gorgeous candy colour that will make that pout extra kissable. Just apply one layer for a nude look.

2. Another Orgasm, this time in a lip gloss. It has all the brightening and flattering qualities of it's blusher friend, but it provides the most enticing glossy coat on lips.

3. Make sure that your lips are totally immaculate by priming with this delicious Red Velvet lip scrub by Sara Happ, available here. It tastes just like a sweet, sumptuous red velvet cupcake and the find sugar granules buff away any dry skin for the most soft and sweet kiss imaginable. A treat for you and him!

EXTRAS

1. The ultimate indulgence, Laura Mercier Ambre Vanillé Soufflé body cream is a beauty must for Valentines day. It smells absolutely edible with the most intense vanilla notes that money can buy. It is also lusciously rich and nourishing, leaving supple skin with an inviting scent.

2. Continuing along the good enough to eat road, this Jo Malone Sweet Lemon Cologne, from their new High Tea collection, smells just like a sugary lemon tart. Very soon I shall be sharing some lovely new Jo Malone products with you, but in the mean time I highly suggest you treat yourself to this sweet spring scent. He'll love it every bit as much as you.

3. My Valentines polish of choice? Nails Inc in Shoreditch. This fun and flirty hot pink is not even remotely sickly sweet, but a great bubblegum pink that packs a little punch. It needs a fair few coats to get a decent colour, but it's worth it.

4. If you are more traditional, you'll be loving this summery bright polish from Essie's latest collection. This coral Snap Happy shade will certainly cheer up your Valentines day, whether or not you have someone to celebrate with. 

Pursuit of Prettiness: The Gothic Lip

MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger £14

I love this rich tomato red, a subtle take on the gothic look. Apply with a make-up brush for precision and pair with minimal make-up. It is a slightly drier formula so try a balm on top for extra nourishment. It is particularly pretty on warmer skintones- fairer types should stick to Russian Red with it's cool blue tones.  

NARS Liquid Lip Colour in Nana £17.50

This one looks scarier than it is! I expected it to be nearly black and was sceptical to try it, but I have to say I rather liked the final effect. It goes on like a patent, blackberry stain and has some incredible staying power. I was too much of a wuss to wear more than one coat, but I really loved it layered over Topshop Lips in Hazard. A slick and stylish way to wear the trend. 

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Va Va Violet  £7.49

I think this one has to be my favourite- it is also the most gothic. It is a deep purple, almost black, and has a nourishing, creamy texture that feels rather luxurious. I loved the colour and felt it flattered my cool skintone perfectly. It is perfect shade of wine meets rich, regal purple tones. It certainly belies it's Boots pricetag.

Shiseido Perfect Rouge in RS612 £17

I used this one for more of a tint approach- one that would be better suited to an older lady or one less adventurous when it comes to vampy lip colours. This is a gorgeous, glossy lipstick which, after one application, is sheer and nourishing and, I found, rather plumping on the lips. The colour is not the most intense, unfortunately, but for wearability this one has to be a winner. I found that the plum complemented my blonde hair rather well also. 

Topshop lips in Beguiled £8

Of the three Topshop darker lipsticks I tried, this one had to be my favourite. The others were gorgeous also, but I loved this rich blackberry shade- it is so luxurious and a little goes a long way! I found this one a great texture and coverage and it would be great for a really dramatic look- a close second. 

HI. Here's my face.

Sorry about that- hope you weren't eating.

Anyway, I know that instagrammed pictures of me are not what you read this blog for, but they are here for a reason- I promise! 

I have been obsessing about the Gothic trend for ages now, and am a Gucci fiend, dying to be Anja Rubik in that lace and chiffon maxidress with her killer plum pout and wavy platinum hair.

So just as we approach mid-October, I thought I could start getting all spooky on ya (please refrain from telling me to "take of my mask" etc.) 

I felt I had to step out of my comfort zone and try a beauty trend- something I am often reluctant to do. Gimme a tricky fashion trend, and i'll give it a whirl, but i'm much less adventurous when it comes to my make-up... A smoky eye is daring in my books. 

However, I must man up and try something a bit different... Gothic lips. Eek. 

It's not as scary as it first seems, though, and I must admit I am a bit of a convert. I have spent years piling on nude lipsticks and glosses and now is the perfect time to break free from those understated (*ahem* BORING) neutrals. 

What's Your A/W Persona?

Every season we are faced with a wealth of fashion trends ready to confuse and intimidate the living daylights out of us. One minute we are girly in saccharine sweet lace and the next we are clad in skintight leather wielding £500 whips. It's a tricky biz this fashion lark, but I do rather love it- just in case you were not quite aware...

I know that all those lovely fashion folk are risking life and limb at fashion week (as some tweets appear to suggest... First world problems, ladies and gents?) to peruse the SS13 collections for trends and the like, but in the real world it is only just starting to feel autumnal, and therefore it is time to immerse ourselves in our AW wardrobes.

Just hold on to your horses, I'm enjoying GBBO waaaay too much to be thinking about crop tops and bikinis just yet. Gimme gimme gimme that blanket coat and fur gilet - let this less than perfect body remain in blissful hibernation until there is no alternative! 

So this post is a little guide on which Autumn/Winter persona to take on- its just a bit of fun really, not intended to be a deep psychological experiment that reveals your true self. I'm just a fashion blogger, sorry. 

You have one of three options, revealed in my silly little Q&A below... This season will you be a goth, a geek or a glamazon? 

Where do you tend to get your style inspiration?

A) Vogue, Harpers, Elle. It's all about the high end fashion houses and couture, anything avant-garde really.

B) Blogs. All about the blogs. I like accessible fashion, ya see, it's all about clothes that I can wear and look nice in.

C) Nowhere. I lead, I never follow... But I like to think my style is Daphne Guinness meets Rosie Huntington Whiteley at Studio 54 in Givenchy Haute Couture. 

Who would you say you dressed for?

A) Facehunter, The Sartorialist, Tommy Ton. 

B) Myself, I suppose. I wear whatever makes me feel good.

C) To keep my followers and admirers happy.

What was your favourite trend this summer?

A) Leather. It's my favourite trend every season, I love it's risque quality.

B) Pastels and lace probably. Feminine but understated.

C) 1970s Luxe, obviously. Lots of gloss and glamour for moi.

Who is your favourite designer?

A) It varies from season to season, of course. For A/W I was obsessed with Gucci and Givenchy.

B) I always love Chloé, Celine and Stella McCartney.

C) Dolce and Gabbana- if you've got a gilded black cloak and embellished knickers, i'm all yours.

MOSTLY A'S: GOTH

You follow the trends each season and love a look that is fashion-forward without being over the top. This season you are crazy for the glamourous goth look. Plum lips, black lace and lashings of leather shall be your go-to.

1. Topshop Dress £58
2. Topshop Feather Bolero £85
3. Kurt Geiger £220
4. Tom Ford Black Violet £135
5. Zara Clutch £49.99
6. Valentino Shoes £650.17 @Saks
7. Nars Lipstick in Scarlett Empress £17.50
8. Topshop Rings £15
9. Alexander McQueen Bangle £325
10. River Island Maxi £40
11. Topshop Cross Necklace £18.50
12. Miss Selfridge Cobweb Sweater £39
13. Topshop Cross Earrings £6.50

MOSTLY B'S: GEEK

Don't be offended if you landed on geek- it's my choice this season! It's less geek and more chic, to be honest. Think chunky knits, skinny pants and cocoon coats. JW Anderson for Topshop is perfect for you.

1. Zara Ankle Boots £49.99
2. Carven Maroon Blazer £410
3. Des Petits Hauts Sweater at ATELIER-TO-GO £155
4. Zatchels Satchel from £103
5. Topshop Check Trousers £40
6. JW Anderson for Topshop Shirt £39.99
7. Topshop Tartan A-line Skirt £36
8. JW Anderson for Topshop Sweater £49.99
9. Urban Outfitters Watch £24
10. Office Tan Loafers £50
11. ASOS Ring £175
12. Topshop Satchel £28

MOSTLY C'S: GLAMAZON

You are all about making an impact, so it looks like you are going to be loving the opulence trend this season. Think overt embellishment, lavish brocades and sumptuous velvet all dripping in gems and jewels. 

1. Topshop Sequin Tee £46
2. JW Anderson for Topshop Paisley Skirt £69.99
3. ASOS Gem Necklace £60
4. Topshop Gold Jacquard Trousers £45
5. KG by Kurt Geiger Velvet Platforms £160
6. Dannijo Crystal Earrings $410
7. ASOS Opulent Earrings £15
8. Zara Embellished Belt £19.99
9. Topshop Velvet and Gold Platforms £65
10. Tom Ford Lipstick in Cherry Lush £36
11. River Island Embellished Mini £60
12. Kurt Geiger Lace-Up Heels £350 (LOVE. THESE.)

Oh! You Pretty Things...

River Island Hairband £20

BIG BEAUTY BANG: In Pictures!

The ticket- £10 redeemable on beauty products- I went for a NARS Multiple in Orgasm

Complimentary bottles of Jubilee Pop

At the event with my lovely rosette- blouse vintage, jacket Topshop, mini Alex and Abercrombie jeans. 

The great Jeffrey Campbell debut (so comfy!)

A delicious FREE NARS cupcake!

Creme de Corps and rock

Shu Uemure Eyelashes

Cupcakes and Green Tea

Pink Union Flags

Exclusive YSL Eye Palette

Tatty Devine Crown

Red Velvet NARS cupcake

Pick'n'mix at Jo Malone

Jelly Babies and Flying Saucers

Eyes by Nars

Scones and Jam and Pimms

Samba Swirl to top it all off! 

Five New Neutrals

Let me know what you think at @SWfashion_ and get your new neutral fix at Ciaté and Nails Inc!

PS

Apologies for my revolting purple/red hands. I have terrible circulation! 

Red White and Beauty

Today I did my monthly Boots blitz. Purchasing all the essentials that nobody really wants to spend on, but everyone needs to! Yes, I mean the blotting tissues, the eye make-up removers, the toothbrush, the dental floss... blah blah blah. It was all going so well, I had not been tempted by any of the new pampering delights on the shelves, until I saw this beaming and bold bottle of Original Source strawberry shower gel and I could not resist buying it.

I love strawberries, I love summer and I love Britain, so why would I choose anything else? It's always nice to have a super sweet shower gel to lift your spirits, and this one does just that. It also inspired this post!

It is fast approaching London's most manic summer ever, and the first big event is our old Queenie's Diamond Jubilee. So, instead of buying the obligatory crockery or tea towel, why not boost your beauty box with some special Jubilee products?

Everyone from Benefit to Nails Inc have produced something a little bit special to mark the occasion, so it's only fair that you treat yourself!

Sport Relief

Next week's Sport Relief got me thinking and I couldn't resist a little post about SS12's trickiest trend: Sport Luxe. Whether you go for a little nod to sportiness with an outdoorsy beauty look, or all-out in Alexander Wang's running shorts, this look is fun, fresh and very cool! 

And the reason for the little video is that You Make My Dreams Come True is my number one, all time favourite good mood/running song EVER. Why not embrace this trend whole heartedly and revamp your gym kit and jog off to that perfect bikini body? I have every intention to... once I can afford Stella McCartney Adidas that is! 

Chanel's Lucky Charms

The new beauty range by Chanel is certainly a little bit tempting. All glossy black packaging and delicate gold. Celebrating the launch of the new Chanel boutique in Las Vegas, the limited edition collection is inspired by the glitz of Las Vegas. However, it is not as garish as it may sound! Try the gold nail polish to ease in, as it will look fabulous with brights or neutrals. Alternately, slick on the sheer lipstick for a glossy lip that is soft and elegant with a warm tone to pep up tired winter skin.

My pick, however, has to be the iridescent powder compact, which I have just fallen madly in love with. The peachy shades are perfect to add a rosy blush, and the sandy gold highlighters are just the thing to make your daytime look that little bit prettier. 

The range will launch this Thursday (24th) in Chanel boutiques, Selfridges (London and Manchester), Harrods, Fenwick (Newcastle) and House of Fraser (Glasgow). It will surely go pretty fast, so make sure you get your hands on Chanel's little lucky charms.

Springtime Sweetie

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Those pesky Siberian winds appear to have fled for the time being, and with London Fashion week about to kick off, there could not have been a better time for the sun to start shining.

Yesterday's temperatures were the highest I have experienced for weeks, and the bright sunny day, complete with blue skies, infinitely cheered me up. So here is a cheery pastel based post to get you all excited for Spring. 

I know, I know... I should probably get over the pastel obsession but, as my friend Harriet of 'Falling in London', would agree, they are so mood-lifting and pretty! Frankly, they are good enough to eat!

This maxi dress is just lovely to pep up a dull day, especially with the adorable Mulberry jewellery which I have fallen for BIG time. Add other ice-cream shades to lift the look and total up some serious SS12 potential.