She's not like a regular mum – she's a cool mum

1. Byredo Loose Lips Candle £50 here
1. Orelia disc lariat pendant £18 here
3. Alex Monroe for Liberty pineapple pendant £150 here
4. Byredo Blanche EDP £90 here
5. Illesteva rose gold sunglasses £140 here
6. Meli Melo Aloe silk scarf £150 here
7. Malone Souliers rainbow sandals (LOVE this brand) £545 here
8. Kate Spade recipe journal £45 here
9. Fornasetti Flora candle (the cool way to do flowers) £115 here
10. Rogues brogues exclusive to Harvey Nichols £170 here
11. Luxe City Guides Europe gift box £35 here
12. Anya Hindmarch rainbow shoulder bag £695 here
13. Carven skirt £240 here
14. Delfina Delettrez multi-stone earring £450 here
15. Iosselliani gold-plated earrings £95 here

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Mother's Day is just around the corner, but it's not too late to make your lovely mum's day as special as possible.

I don't doubt for one second that your mum is every bit as chic as you are – so make darn sure your gift matches up.

The golden rule for golden children? If you wouldn't want it yourself, it simply isn't good enough for mum.

If you've left it a touch too late to buy a present, you can get creative with experiences for Sunday. Why not arrange an at-home Champagne Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches, homemade scones and an assortment of scrumptious cakes and sweets? Or maybe you could spoil her silly with a beautiful bouquet and a spot of brekkie in bed?

Pop over to my Pinterest for lots of recipe ideas.

P.S.
Keep your eyes peeled over the coming days for Sugarfina at Harvey Nicks. Launching exclusively this month, you can expect Bento-style boxes choc-a-block with Champagne gummy bears, Kir Royale truffles and chocolate-dipped bacon toffees. Perhaps, you could write Mum and IOU? She's such a sweetie, after all.

Last Chance to Get Personal

 

Alex Monroe  is my go-to for delicate, beautifully crafted jewellery that will work for any occasion. The latest addition to the Alex Monroe collection is the idiosyncratic Enchanted Twig Alphabet Necklace in 18ct gold. At £375, these dainty, elegant necklaces are future classics. You can shop these here, or if you're in London this weekend pop along to the Alex Monroe sample sale which you can find out about here. 

Come Christmas, everybody wants something a little bit special. 

When I begin to think about Christmas shopping, my imagination really does run wild. I have so many great ideas for gifts, but sadly my student budget restricts my delusions of gifting grandeur.

However, to quote my darling Mum, "it's the thought that counts". A thoughtful gift, such as a photo album chock-a-block full of memories, can be every bit as adorable as a pair of Manolo Blahnik BBs... Well, not quite that adorable. Let's not be daft now. 

So if you're look for something special and thoughtful that won't break the bank, then look no further than the latest influx of personalised pieces to delight your darlings on Christmas day.

From ID tag bracelets through to jewel tone suede slippers, there is something for every giftee, no matter how fussy he/she may be. (PS boys yours is to follow so hold your horses.)

With a cool 19 days until you lay out your miniature mince piece for Santa's sustenance (yes, that IS your cue to panic), it is time to get personal and place your orders. 

Here is my edit.

Hoppy Easter Monday!

I think i'm addicted to Pinterest- and this image is another of Pinterest's very finest. Wickle bunny foo foo. You can find the original image here if you feel like spending your Monday oooh-ing and aaah-ing  

Happy Easter Monday you gorgeous lot. 

I hope that, like me, you shall spend this morning nursing a chocolate hangover while watching trashy TV... That's what Bank Holiday's are for, you know.

I just thought i'd share with you some lovely Easter treats to keep that chirpy Spring smile on your face! 

First up, I found this adorable (and easy) recipe on Pinterest for Bunny Tails! All you need to do to make PIZZAZZERIE's sweet treats (original recipe here) is whip up a tub of softened Philly, add a teaspoon of Almond Extract- or coconut for a tropical touch- and then add 4-5 "cups" of icing sugar- one by one- to create a thick dough. Once you've got the perfect consistency- think truffles!- roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and roll in desiccated coconut.

Yummy scrummy, as Mary Berry would say. 

If the very thought of more food is making you a little queasy, go for these sweet scented candles from the lovely Yankee. 

Chocolate Bunnies smells, as the name subtly suggests, like creamy milk chocolate bunnies- the very essence of Easter (£19.99 here).

If you've overdone the chocolate this weekend- i'll put my hands up to that one- then opt for the pretty in pink Bunny Cake candle which is a divine marriage of coconut, citrus and vanilla- gimme, gimme, gimme! It's currently out of stock, but keep checking back here to buy it for £19.99. 

1. The glorious Sitting Bunny pendant is available here for £120
2. The Sitting Bunny earrings are an adorable update on the simple gold stud. Buy here for £108
3. My favourite is this Sitting Bunny ring in gold which you can buy here for £180

For something rather more indulgent, put a Spring in your step with these divine little bunny pieces by Alex Monroe.

I've long been a fan of Alex Monroe's dainty fine jewellery and I only wish I could afford to treat myself to these gorgeous golden trinkets!

The bunny pendants, earrings and rings are the perfect Easter Monday treat, if you ask me. How very adorable is the twig ring with diamond detail?

1. Speckle me pink with SCARCE (here £14.50)
2. Speckle me blue with FRAGILE (here £14.50)
3. Speckle me purple with SPECKLE (here £14.50)

Last but not least- a little Easter sweetness for your fingertips from ILLAMASQUA.

Cadbury's sweet pastel Mini Eggs are an Easter tradition and I could (and would) happily eat bag after bag of these tasty morsels!

If you're equally enthusiastic about good old Mini Eggs, you'll be pleased to see these Speckled polishes. They look amazing on (i've had a look at a number of beauty blogs) and i'm particularly fond of the duck-egg blue shade.

Disguise Mince Pie Thighs!

If you can't overindulge at Christmas, when can you?

I must put my hands up and say that I have actually not eaten many mince pies this year- two mini ones to be precise- but I do feel like I am about to gain a stone in Christmas weight... I mainly blame the Champagne cocktails and mum's irresistible Christmas cake and trifle.

Christmas is a very tricky time for those who are struggling with weight, but i'm trying my best to cope! However, if worst comes to worst, I will just gain that almost inevitable seasonal weight and then have to detox- green tea in one hand, gym pass in the other.

In the mean time, though, I bring you some lovely wintry outfits that conceal a multitude of festive foodie sins. 

Nothing beats an oversized jumper with some slim fit jeans and a brilliant pair of ankle boots... It's universally flattering and makes you look every bit as slim as you are in your summertime prime.

It's not time to detox, yet, so let's enjoy the party season while we can.

Pass me the Elderflower Edinburgh gin!

1. Dark Wash Jeggings from Abercrombie and Fitch- the ultimate jeans. I'll have a pair in every colour, please? (£68)
2. This Jack Wills jumper (£69.50) is so wonderfully snug and, when worn oversized and slouchy, this is the perfect way to hide a less-than-washboard stomach (who, moi?)
3. The best way to spend Boxing Day? Hidden away under lots of layers watching Love Actually and eating Quality Streets. This super soft faux-fur gilet from Topshop is super toasty and rather forgiving (£55)
4. Let's talk diversion tactics! This studded leopard print bowling bag from Zara (£49.99) is at the top of my post-Christmas wishlist, and with rather good reason. Such a bold, stylish bag will distract from the pre-detox pounds.
5. MUST. STAY. ALWAY. FROM. THE. KOOPLES. SALE. Please, someone, stop me from buying these tidy little ankle boots. They are reduced to £185 in the sale.  

1. These slouchy ripped boyfriend jeans from Moto at Topshop (the Lacey jeans- £40) are ultra forgiving and the perfect way to disguise mince pie thighs! I'll take a couple of pairs...
2. Slip on a cosy cardigan (River Island, £40) and cocoon yourself in the knowledge that you've got a good few months before bikini season...
* shudder *
3. Where have all the good men gone?.. Need a post Christmas hero that isn't of the Cadbury's variety, well you aren't alone. Send out a message loud and clear with this ultra cool beaded t-shirt from Markus Lupfer (£140)
4. These are biker boots and then some. Balance out the soft pieces with these edgy studded Zara boots (£129)
5. Got a few spare Christmas pennies going?.. Indulge in some new season Mulberry like this glossy Cecily tote (£1100) which adds a polished finish to any outfit... It would also act as a marvellous diversion from my Champagne-enduced bloat (yes, i'm pretty much Bridget Jones)

1. Another sale hit from The Kooples, I adore this slick Oxblood woolen cape. It will certainly hide a multitude of sins! £220.50 on sale- i'll be keeping my eyes peeled for further reductions.
2. Nothing beats a simple cream knit, i'd buy this one several sizes too big. It's £35 from Miss Selfridge.
3. My favourite high street jeans are the super-skinny stretchy Leigh jeans from Topshop. This simple dark denim pair is super slimming and just £38.
3. Ooh la la, did someone say Mulberry? Well, they were wrong. This warm tan handbag with gleaming gold hardware is a snip at £70 from ASOS. Yum.
5. Ankle boots are my one true love, and these new season burgundy buckle boots from Office are a new favourite of mine. The stacked heel lengthens legs while the cut out detail makes them a great partner to flirty minis come spring! (£85)
6. Alex Monroe jewellery is the cutest, and this fox charm bracelet is delicate and sure to attract many an admiring glance. (£135)

1. Alas, yet another pair of killer skinny jeans, this time from Hollister. These have a perfect stretch and the dark wash is slimming. I find they make my bum look a million times better as well, at £40 they are certainly cheaper than a trip to Harley Street!
2. This cutesy Wildfox sweater, embroidered with "I'll Keep You Warm" in shimmery bronze sequins will cover you up without looking even remotely boring. I absolutely love this sweater (£150)
3. I have two faux-fur scarves from Zara that I wear religiously, primarily because they are super cosy and also very forgiving when i'm feeling a little less than body confident. Though my lovely fur stoles have sold out, this cool snood from Topshop is silky soft and a lovely toffee hue (£25)
4. Another day, another ankle boot. These buckled Topshop black booties have a chunky heel which balances out slightly shapely legs. (£110)
5. Et Voila! You could balloon up ten dress sizes and it still wouldn't matter with a Celine Luggage Mini on your arm. I don't even know how much this Cream Python offering is- I don't doubt that it is too much for me to even comprehend- but I love it, and always shall.  

Jingle and Mingle

1. Candy Cane minty lip gloss by Philosophy
2. Once Bitten Twice Shy t-shirt £90 by Markus Lupfer
3. My favourite super-skinny jeans from Topshop £38
4. Wonderful rich crimson lipstick from Topshop (in Hazard) £8
5. The cutest little ring ever by Alex Monroe £180
6. I simply adore these Jingle Bell Dolly heels from Charlotte Olympia £625
7. This Gagarin cuff at ATELIER-TO-GO is such a lovely piece by Lara Bohinc £680

1. These Topshop Leigh jeans in bone are my latest purchase and I simply can't wait to wear them! £38
2. This Love ring by Zoe & Morgan is just adorable £99
3. This Céline Dion tee from Browns is brilliant- and a bargain! £30
4. Another fabulous pair of heels from Charlotte Olympia, these Kiss Me Dolly heels will have them lining up under the mistletoe! £625
5. I love this NARS lipstick in Jungle Fever- a classic pillarbox red that is so very festive
6. Layer up your lipstick with this almost patent Paul & Joe Lip Lacquer in 09 - the perfect present
7. Finish off the look with a gorgeously luscious chain-detail clutch from my beloved Zara £79.99  

Wild Thaaang.

Christmas is just around the corner, so I thought i'd do a little outfit post- this look is the perfect understated look for Christmas cocktails... Just be careful on the ice with these fabulous Zara booties, okay?!

1. This little Topshop camisole is my new hero piece- it is flattering, pretty and glamourous with a lovely lacy back. On top of it all, it's got a double-layered front to avoid an embarrassing bra clash! I love it tucked into high waisted jeans/shorts, or worn loose over leather leggings (try Miss Selfridge for a great pair at just £18) This little beauty will set you back a rather reasonable £28.

2. Psssst! The Kooples have their sale on- get in line! I absolutely adore The Kooples, particularly their razor sharp tailoring. They have some gorgeous pieces reduced in their latest sale including this perfect black jacket and a slightly more festive offering with a gold leather collar- snazzy! This lovely jacket- which is a real winner in cost per wear terms is reduced to £238. 

3. I am a firm believer that when Christmas shopping, one really must have the "one for you, one for me" approach. After buying some Christmas cards in Paperchase, I felt it only fair that I had a little gander round Miss Selfridge. I then saw these studded super stretch jeans and accidentally bought them... They are glitzy but not OTT and the fit is truly fabulous- tight but with a little stretch. Cut a fine figure and pair with a silky cami. £45

4. This is my new favourite perfume - L'Ombre Dans L'Eau by Diptyque. Though Tom Ford Violet Blonde made the Christmas list this year, I am madly in love with this delectable scent. It is floral but fresh, sweet but seductive and I just love it! Anyone want to treat me?... £50 from Liberty

5. All together now... AWW! This Alex Monroe charm bracelet is the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas- delicate but a little edgy, I love the key charms- £135

6. This Rock'N'Rose Key charm necklace at £21 is a lovely partner to this dainty Alex Monroe bracelet and is the perfect understated pendant to go with everything from sexy separates through to grecian maxi dresses with decadent layered pendants.

7. I have always been a big fan of Marks & Spencers handbags- they are very much design led, and not everyone knows to look in good old M&S when hunting for a handbag. This quilted patent number with glossy gold detail is beautifully made and has a real high-end quality, plus it's only £25

8. Last but not least, I give you my favourite ankle boots ever! Okay... This week. I love these Zara leopard print heels. They are just so ferociously hot and I want them... NOW. After all, I haven't met a leopard print I didn't like! 

What do you lovely lot think of this look?!

Best of British Launch

I don't know about you, but I am madly in love with Alex Monroe jewellery, and it breaks my heart that my student budget means that my jewellery box is so sparse. My heart sunk a little bit more when I saw these Alex Monroe Best of British pendants, all jubilee ready. The little gingerbread man is quite possibly the cutest thing i've seen in a long time, and that rose gold fox is adorable.

If you're lucky enough to be able to afford one of these treats, head along to their launch event at the Alex Monroe boutique in London. The event is from midday to 8pm on the 31st of May- directions to the Bermondsey store can be found online here. 

Not only will you be able to gawp at these pretty trinkets, but there are also goodie bags and prizes sponsored by brands like Burt's Bees, Penhaligons, Belvoir and Holdsworth chocolates. 

You'd be crazy not to go! More details here.  

Ring a Ding Bling

Excuse moi for the silly title (although, to be honest, you should be used to my terrible puns by now), but I have stumbled upon a new online jewellery boutique, via Twitter, that I think I may have fallen in love with.

First was my obsession with Rock'n'Rose, which is still going pretty darn strong, and then came my infatuation with all things Alex Monroe, which was very much a look but don't purchase scenario- I am a poor student, remember? Now my latest obsession is a little e-tailer known as Chelsea Doll.

It's full of gorgeous little quirky trinkets that will get everyone asking "where did you get that?!". If, like me, you are getting a wee bit sick and tired of seeing the same Topshop or Urban Outfitters pieces, this website is perfect for you.

It offers a number of different styles of jewellery, as well as scarves, belts and even beauty products. So not only is it the perfect place to treat yourself, it's the perfect place to buy a quick and easy present! I'm just irritated I didn't discover it before Christmas!

I also love the idea of the "lucky dip", where you spend anything from £10 to £50 and get a random selection of lovely products, as well as a free gift. I'd be a little too much of a wimp to try it, but it'd be a lovely gift for a girly girl!

However, my favourite section of the site is the Chelsea Doll Bridal range. Now hold your horses- i'm not getting married, I just happen to adore all the delicate pendants and the beautiful hair accessories that are ideal for working the SS12 Messy Mossy bun I featured the other day (check out my how-to here!).

They also have a cracking sale, with a YSL-style ring for just £5! Oh, and it's free delivery so nothing to put you off the online shopping!

I can feel my Christmas money drip, drip, dripping away and my earring/ring/pendant collection taking over my bedroom.