Mother's Day: Spoil Her Rotten

Following yesterday's Mother's Day post full of lots of tasty treats and scents, today i'm going for something rather more luxurious. 

While it is certainly cutting it a tad fine, I just felt I needed to share these lovely picks with you. I also think that this post shall act as another gift for mum... A "things I would have bought you if I were rich" sort of thing.

You're welcome, mum. I've been rather generous, I know! 

I tweeted recently (@SWfashion_  love a shameless plug) about my overwhelming desire to spoil mum rotten this mother's day which clashes with my depleted bank balance. Someone was sweet enough to remind me in their response that it is not about money at all. 

Though these decadent treats are sure to put a smile on your mum's face, i'm sure she'd be every bit as grateful if you were to bring her breakfast in bed, run her a bubble bath and maybe even cook her a meal. 

Think of all she does for you, after all!

1. The new Mulberry Willow tote is a total godsend. While it is not exactly cheap at £1500 for this rose petal pink offering, you're basically getting two bags for the price of one as that natty little zip pouch at the front also doubles as a clutch. This is a deliciously decadent gift for mum, though it may be very difficult to part with something so very pretty.

2. I love Anya Hindmarch and this zip pouch in a lovely powdery green shade is a great way to say thanks to your mum for all she's put up with over the years! It's £135 from Selfridges. 

3. Mum's are the biggest stars around, so remind her of this little fact with these Anthropologie crystal studs. Anthropologie is a great place to look for mother's day presents- it's all so pretty and at a reasonable pricepoint. These studs are £18 here.

4. Ever since I was very little I have been telling my parents that I love them to the moon and back. This twinkling diamond ring from London-based boutique EC One would be a lovely way to remind my mum just how much she means to me. It is a bit of an investment at £368 but she's worth every last penny. You can buy the ring here. While on the EC One website, I also urge you to enter their I Love Mum competition. All you have to do to win a £200 voucher is send over a picture of you and your mum along with a few lines on why you love her so dearly. Enter here.

5. Another luscious candle. This Neom Organic Happiness candle, available at Selfridges, is natural and fresh. It has such an uplifting springtime scent with notes of mimosa, lemon and white neroli. It is £39.95 but will last for ages.

6. It kind of annoys me that I totally forgot about this Alex Monroe necklace when I was shopping for mother's day presents. The minute I saw it, I thought of my mum and I only wish that I had thought to buy it there and then. With a dinky little watering can adorned with a crystal blue water droplet, this charming pendant is perfect for any greenfingered mums! It is £138 in gold, here.

7. No card is truer, in all honesty, and I think these Door 77 cards (available on this site or on Not On The High Street) are some of the simplest but sweetest cards money can buy.

8. I have become all rather obsessed with Kate Spade since stumbling upon her store in Westfield a couple of months ago. I've since spent way too much time and money in there buying lots of cutesy little things that I certainly do not need, but certainly DO want. This blue bow bangle is a gorgeously unique gift for any lady, particularly a chic mum.

9. Smythson do the most wonderfully crafted leather stationary around and this Yummy Mummy notebook is the most lovely gift. I think it's really sweet to give something like this for mother's day, as it will always be remembered and cherished. You can buy it here for just £45.

10. Another one I wish i'd bought. Sadly I only spotted this Door 77 card after having bought both my card and present. This handmade card is truly special and will certainly put a smile on her face. Buy it from Door 77 or on NOTHS. For an extra £7 you can have it framed, which I think would make for a really special gift. I actually bought my dad the card at number 7 and framed it for him.

11. Most mum's love champagne. This is a fact. Most women do too. This is also a fact. If your mum has a taste for the pink fizz, you simply must indulge her with this extravagant Laurent Perrier gift set with four champagne flutes adorned with rosy pink decoration. It is £92 from Harvey Nichols, but is another gift that just keeps on giving! 

Yummy for Mummy : Sweet Everything !

This cute little card is available from Paperchase. Aaaw

What makes a good mum? Sugar, spice and all things nice, I think, and I know that my mum ticks all these boxes. 

She's the sweetest woman around. I know i'm biased, but I really think she is. It is beyond comprehension how much stress I have put my lovely mum through, and yet she STILL hasn't thrown me out on the cold streets of Edinburgh to fend for myself. Not even once. That, my friends, is a testament to the loving nature of my mum. She has a solution for my every problem and is the only person who can truly make me feel better when all else fails. My mum is sugary sweet in every sense of the word and I don't think a day is quite enough to celebrate this. 

That is not to say, though, that my mum doesn't have a little bit of spice in her. While i've not got some sort of feisty diva mother, she stands for NO nonsense. While I may have once thought I could get away with murder, mum made DAMN sure that that would not happen. She is the sweetest woman around, and would do anything for her three girls, but she's still the furthest thing from a pushover.

All things nice. I shant bore you all by listing all the lovely, beautiful qualities that my mum has. I could list a million and one reasons why she is my rock and why nobody in this entire universe could replace her. She means the world to me and is the biggest inspiration in my life and always shall be. Nice doesn't do my mother justice, to be honest, and it's important that she knows just how much she means to me this Mother's Day!

Unfortunately I am in London for Mothering Sunday, but I have sent a little treat up to Scotland for my mum to open alongside her Bucks Fizz on Sunday morning (Dad, you'll sort this, okay?).  It's something she won't be expecting and I hope she likes it.

Nevertheless, I simply HAD to do a couple of posts featuring all the other amazing potential gifts for gorgeous mummies everywhere, starting with this SWEET EVERYTHING edit. 

Sugar, spice and all things nice. That's my girl!

1. Though my mum isn't actually a fan of afternoon tea, but most aren't so difficult! If you are based in Edinburgh, i've got a little godsend for you. Eteaket is my favourite place for a spot of bespoke tea in my hometown. It is a quaint but modern little teahouse just off George Street who also sell their own divine blends (Blooming Marvellous is every bit as bloomin' marvellous as the name suggests- a green tea imbued with a marshmallow sweetness is always going to go down well.) For mother's day they are offering a voucher for Afternoon Tea for Two for just £29.99. What could be sweeter than bonding over some jammy scones, classic tea and dainty delights?

2. NOW we are speaking my mum's language! I am my mother's daughter, after all, and we both love a cheeky glass of vino. Or two... Or three... You catch my drift. I love this I HEART Rose which is a sweet snip at just £5.99.

3. If you aren't much of a baker, like yours truly, treat mummy dearest to this Lemon Tart scent from Jo Malone's aptly-titled Sugar and Spice collection. Read my review of the scents here.

4. Another mention of Bucks Fizz! Bucks Fizz (or Mimosa's if you're feeling exotic) are freshly squeezed orange juice topped up with chilled champagne. My mum loves a Bucks Fizz on a special occasion and these chocolates are a lovely little take on the classic flavour combination. Rich and velvety, Charbonnel & Walker chocolates are second to none. No matter how strictly I control my diet, I could easily wolf down a box of these in a sitting.

5. While foodie snobs may be heralding the demise of the macaroon, i'm still obsessed with Ladurée and would happily eat macaroons until the cows come home. Still, i'm welcoming the latest baking trend with Meringue Girls! Dainty, light and in the most luxurious flavours imaginable, I am dying to try these crisp meringues that have been a hit in fashion circles. They are available from Harvey Nichols in cute gift jars- perfect for mum!

6. To reiterate, I still love macaroons, so imagine my delight at coming across these Urban Apothecary candles inspired by Macaroons. Candles are foolproof for mums (and most ladies, to be honest) and these ones sounds truly scrumptious! My pick has to be the Frangipan scented offering. In pretty glass containers, these candles are a wonderfully unique gift.

7. I can't even express how delicious this Redcurrant and Cream scent by Jo Malone smells. Read my review here, or dive straight in and snap it up here.

8. On Sunday, across the land, mother's shall be heralding 7.00 PM "Gin O'Clock". Well, perhaps not, but they should be. Gin always seems to be a favourite with yum mum's and this raspberry infused bottle by Edinburgh Gin makes a lovely gift... And a pretty pink G&T!

 10. Last but not least, for the truly sweet of tooth, the Biscuiteers is the place to go. This indulgent tin box filled with artfully iced butterfly biscuits is a thoughtful gift that she is sure to love. What could be better with a cup of tea? Trust me... These biccys are delicious. 

Tomorrow I shall be posting a few more gifts- stay tuned!

Valentines 2013: The Classics

(background image from here)

It's that time of year again. It's such fun if you're loved up, but less so if you're a single pringle. 

Bitterness aside, there is no denying that we can all appreciate the truly adorable pieces that can be found in the stores at the moment.

From the spine-tingling sexy lingerie through to the kitschy cutesy cards, there is something for everyone this time round. 

I'll be doing a few gifty guides over the next week, but i'll ease in with these unadulterated, romantic goodies that are classic but not even remotely cliche. 

If you would quite happily never see another heart-cuddling teddy bear again, you best direct your other half to this little post quick smart!

1. These cute cards from Topshop are the perfect little gesture for a loved one (£3.50 here)

2. It's a cheesy old chat up line, but this Paperchase card is also very cute. (£2.50 here)

3. I'm getting really into stamps just now (I'm that cool, yup) and this little Love Hearts stamp is an adorable little Valentines gift or treat. (£7.50 here)

4. Okay, this Paris Love bracelet by Mademoiselle Felee is a total beauty! It is delicate but stylish and a really unique present. (£34.50 here)

5. I'm weak at the knees for Mimi Holliday and this romantic Confetti Bomb balconette bra in an explosion of  coral and cherry polka dots is divine! Next on my list for sure. (£54 here)

6. Nicolas Feuillatte champagne is absolutely beautiful, and this rose offering is ideal for your pretty in pink lady. (£30 here) 

7. Sickeningly sweet, I know, but some people LOVE that. This key is an adorable gift for the person that truly does hold the key to your heart. (£8.50 NOTHS)

8. What lady wouldn't love a little Mulberry pouch on Valentines morning? This cherry red offering peppered with golden hearts is a romantic keepsake for your significant other. (£195 here)

9. I was lucky enough to receive these earrings for my birthday in a delicious aquamarine shade, but I love this pinky coral option for a more lovey-dovey twist. (£22 here)

10. What's the point in getting a bra without the matching knickers, boys? If you're treating your lucky lady to the Confetti Bomb bra, i'd be sure to pop these cerise lacy knickers in your basket as well. Tres jolie! (£40 here)

11. For another sickeningly adorable gift, why not invest in this gold-plated 'Cosy Lovebirds' pendant from Alex Monroe. It truly is beautiful and is most thoughtful! (£132 here)

12. How about these pillowcases for a you lovebirds to rest your sleepy heads on at night? I LOVE these (£45 here) 

13. Another little Mulberry indulgence, this is atop my wishlist at the moment, and i'm sure your other half would be more than grateful for one of these on the 14th. (£60 here)

14. More lingerie, this time you may go a little naughtier with a trip to Agent Provocateur. This silken Novah bra is truly glorious, even more so on. In rich raspberry satin with a kiss of scarlet lace, this bra is worth every last penny. (£95 here)

15. Pucker up! If you're looking for a little kiss this Valentines, then this Lulu Guinness lip clutch is sure to help you on your way. A modern classic! (£375 here)

16. These Charlotte Olympia limited edition Delphine heels are nothing short of yummy! They will 100% have you in the good books from here to eternity. (£595 here)

17. If you're looking for a little beauty product for your little miss, this limited edition 'Fracas' nail polish from Chanel should be just the ticket. It's sure to sell out fast, so get yourself to Selfridges to snap up this passionate bubblegum pink.  

18. These Novah lace trim silken french knickers are practically essential if you're buying the bra! The quality is superlative. (£65 here)

19. Yet another adorable card to swoon over. Not On The High Street always do 'em best, boys! This one contains a personalised love note- all together now: AAAAW. (£4.50 here)

Gift Guide: The Good Time Girl

Leaving it to the last minute? So are the majority of us, don't worry.

Christmas has come upon us all rather suddenly, hasn't it? And now you may be ready to join the majority of the United Kingdom in trawling the high streets hunting for "ANYTHING" to buy for friends/family etc.

If you're still stuck, check out this year's gift guides on the blog including : 

* The Sweet Tooth

* The Gym Bunny 

* The Goth Girl

* The Glitter Girl

* The Cosy Cutie

* The Romantic

And, last but not least, the Good Time Girl!

Who? The Good Time Girl is the life and soul of the party, the girl who everyone counts on to light up a room, the girl who never says no to a night out and the girl who knows that life is for living! 

What does she love? She loves to have fun, first and foremost!

Where does she shop? Topshop for party dresses, Nails Inc for fabulous nail art, Urban Outfitters for fun bits and bobs and Dannijo for sparkling jewellery. 

1. This little embellished romper from Topshop is a cool £200, but it is the ideal gift for the belle of the ball.
2. I love Wildfox tees for Christmas presents, and this Young Hearts Run Free tee is £68
3. I adore this little sparkly 'Glitterball' iPad case from Kate Spade- so sweet and fun ! $80
4. Girls With Class Don't Need A Glass- this hip flask is great for any good time girl. £12 at Urban Outfitters or 2 for £15
5. Time does indeed fly when you're having fun, so do something thoughtful this Christmas and give her this Urban Outfitters photo album, full of pictures from the time of your life- £18, exclusive online.
6. Speaking of fun, how gorgeous is this bottle of Absolut Unique Edition vodka? The perfect gift, each one of these pop-art bottles is different, and what crazy girl doesn't love some crisp, clean Absolut vodka? £21.50 from Harvey Nichols and Selfridges
7. I think that Philosophy bath shower gels make for the best presents- and this Senorita Margarita hit is a bit of a cult classic. It smells zingy, fresh and fun, £14.
8. I love Nails Inc polishes, and I think that their Couture service is just fabulous for a quirky Christmas gift. You can get it done in a few stores, or order online, and choose a pretty topper, your favourite colour and personalise the label to suit the giftee. I opted for this zingy neon coral topped with a gold sparkly lid, this combination would set you back £20.
9. This hot pink postmans lock organiser from Mulberry is simply a gorgeous present, and any lady would be lucky to have it! £295 from Mulberry stores. 
10. These fabulously sparkly crystal drop earrings from River Island are the perfect accompaniment to any show-stopping little sequin dress, £10.
11. This stuff smells just divine! This Bliss 'Berry Bubbly' set of Raspberry Champagne bubble bath and body butter smells fruity and sweet and is the perfect pre or post party pampering routine, £29.
12. I absolutely love this stunning cuff by Dannijo. You can buy it as a set with several cool bracelets in what The Man Repeller Leandra Medine calls the Wanderlust Arm Party for $595, or you can stick to this bold but sophisticated Smyson cuff at $420.
13. Last but not least, keep chilly hands at bay with these fun Hi 5 mittens from Kate Spade- I love them ! $47.00 on sale.