FESTIVE PARTY DRESSES.

If there were ever a time to be joyously overdressed, Christmas season is it.

Whether it's for Christmas day, New Year's Eve, dinner out with your loved ones, or anything in between, the right dress is often just the thing you need to feel festive, confident and utterly gorgeous. And who doesn't want to feel like that!

For me, I love lace, embroidered, bows and detail. The perfect festive dress for me isn't about glitz and bare skin (although if it is for you then by all means!), but that need not mean it's shouldn't be special, and more importantly shouldn't make you feel special. 

Outfit details

Red lace dress (unfortunately sold out! but very similar here)

Glitzy rose gold clutch

Bow heels (from a boutique in Paris - similar Ferragamo alternative here)

Here are some of my personal, favourite festive picks to, for all budgets, to add a a touch of merriment to your festive attire, and a few accessories thrown in for good measure - I hope you find something you love!

xx

10 THINGS THAT'VE MADE ME HAPPY LATELY #18

one. // the birthday trip to Paris. You can catch up with our trip here, but to summarise, we had the most gorgeous time - it's one of my favourite, most meaningful and sentimental places in the world.

two. // feeling Christmassy and Christmas markets.

three. // shopping for gifts for others (see my bumper Christmas gift guide if you're still doing yours!), naughty online shopping for myself, Black Friday deals and so many lovely things in the stores.

four. // homemade ile flottante - we had it in Paris and I've been trying to recreate the exact, thoroughly superlative recipe - utterly delicious. Also poached pears, chocolate panettone, festive pain perdu and Angelina hot chocolate. I could easily give each a bullet of their own, I'm infatuated.

five. // these patent heeled ballerinas. I picked them up over Black Friday weekend and I love them.

six. // some superlative beauty finds lately. M&S 'gel' nail polish (smooth, fast-drying and a week and counting unchipped!), Huda Beauty's latest eyeshadow palette (so creamy and blendable - I did a look with it here) and Avene's radiance serum are but a few examples.

seven. // watching Masterchef the Professionals together. F and I aren't big TV people but we'll happily sit down to watch this. I'll say it now, my money's on Laurence ;)

eight. // John Lewis couldn't find my online order with their usual speedy service so gave me a bunch of roses to apologise - such a lovely gesture, and they're looking beautiful on our table.

nine. // these cosy Boden pjs.

ten. // Christmas market season - we've got a couple lined up and I'm really looking forward to them :)

xx

WINTER FLORALS.

Brrrrr.. 

Isn't it getting chilly now?!

Another 'wet and wonderful' day as I sit and write this. The sort of weather bloggers and product photographers wince at because it's so overcast.. Happily not so the other day though!

F and I 'needed' to head out to our most local butchers to get some beef skirt so I got dressed up for a change and we made a bit of a day of it. I don't know what's come over me but I've such a craving for really good cornish pasties lately, it's getting quite unbecoming ;) F has always liked them but I never thought I'd join him in that - I'm really not keen on pies of any kind.. None of that shop-bought hokum though by the way - homemade pastry and quality ingredients mm mmm.

MY QUINTESSENTIAL AUTUMN/WINTER OUTFIT.

I'm back with another style post today!

I feel like it's been a bit all go in blogging HQ/casa BTB lately. I had a few posts I wanted to get up and then the mammoth task of the Christmas Gift Guide ensued.. (~200 gifts hopefully-beautifully arranged in Photoshop collages really takes quite some work!) But now that's up and I'm able to resurface to the world, whilst there are other projects still going on, I feel like I've a little interim period of calm and I'm feeling a bit more like myself again.

So for today's post, I just wanted to have a catch up with you and share an outfit I've been sporting with much jollity lately. I invite you to fetch yourself a hot drink of your choosing and enjoy :)

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2018- over 180 ideas for all your loved ones.

Exactly a month before Christmas! (wasn't it September about a week ago?)

For the last couple of years, I can't say I've felt too Christmassy, and left the shopping, wrapping and all that until the very last minute.. But this year is a very different and more festive matter!

I've already got part of our shopping done and dusted, in a very relaxed and casual manner, and so let me give you a little hand with yours :)

I didn't want to cop out and do an affiliate 'boutique' but perhaps ought to have split things up into different posts for the sake of my sanity creating these really-quite-time-consuming Photoshop collages, but alas, I've squished in over 180 ideas here for you, many of them my personal favourites; for him, for her, for the little ones, for the home (and just like last year, ideas for filling up those stockings), I hope you find something you love! xx

GIFTS FOR // LOVERS OF STYLE

I'm pretty surprised and pleased with myself that so many of these pieces are entirely affordable! I suppose I'm subconsciously giving myself the green light to treating myself aren't I? ;)

1. Star print wrap dress (UK | US) // 2. Pussy bow blouse // 3. Cosy cropped jumper

4. Shades of red bow heels (UK | US) // 5. Chic red chain crossbody // 6. Suede jacket (NEED)

7. Hopelessly chic dotted bra and matching underwear // 8. Cognac blazer

9. Mulberry scalloped heels // 10. Blue velvet dress // 11. Burgundy wrap top

12. Velvet bow mid heels (UK | US) // 13. Scallop-edge shirt // 14. Bow earrings

15. Green velvet dress // 16. Cream bow blouse // 17. Pink bow blouse

18. Black bow low heels // 19. Black lace dress // 20. Polka dot trousers // 21. Pink handbag

GIFTS FOR // THE BEAUTY OBSESSIVE

Just a little window into what's wonderful out there in the beauty world at the moment. I've included some of my favourites from the year like Lixirskin and my favourite sheet masks, makeup bags and perfumes. Christmas is always a great time to snag yourself a value set and save some pennies too, so please do feel free to treat yourselves as well as your loved ones ;)

1. Christophe Robin volumising rose haircare set (UK | US)

2. Kristin Ess haircare - the mask and leave in conditioner in particular

3. The new Ambient Lighting palette // 4. Rosewater hydrating mist // 5. Charlotte Tilbury lip trio

6. Amore Pacific skincare set // 7. GloPro kit // 8. La Mer gift set - a big saving on this one

9. Chanel eye gift set // 10. My favourite sheet masks // 11. Jasmin Perle de The perfume

12. The best makeup bags - can be personalised too. // 13. A natural beauty duo from RMS

14. My mother's favourite Korean skincare // 15. May Coop - sheet masks and the cult Raw Sauce

16. Mamonde skincare gift set // 17. Jason Wu perfume (UK | US)

18. Oribe gift set (UK | US) - a dead cert winner of a gift in my eyes! // 19. Kora body oil 

20. Lixirskin skincare - the Vitamin C, Soft Clay Rubber and Retinol in particular

21. Aerin perfumes // 22. The cutest makeup pouch

GIFTS FOR // THE EPICURIOUS

Probably my favourite category ;) For all the kitchen dwellers and readers of cookery books in bed.

1. The a-z of mastering French patisserie // 2. Christmas chocolate trio

3. My favourite cooking pot - sounds dull but it's gorgeous

4. Coffee set // 5. 'Paris' baguette bag (NEED) // 6. A Dolce & Gabbana panettone

7. Or just a chocolate one if you prefer! // 8. Pasta machine (making fresh pasta has changed my life)

9. Do Sourdough book // 10. Japanese Shoyu  // 11. Room For Dessert book (exquisite and another need)

12. Gold filigree cutlery (UK | US) // 13. Chic measuring cups // 14. Make your own fresh cheese

15. A jar of gingerbread men // 16. Smeg handblender // 17. For those who forget to water their herbs ;)

18. Recipes journal (UK | US) // 19. The world's smallest and smartest sous vide machine

GIFTS FOR // HIM

Had a little bit of help from F with this one :) For the special ones in your life.

1. Cable knit sweater // 2. Some very fine cognac // 3. A chic record player

4. Shaving gift set // 5. Silk pocket square (an affordable one at that) // 6. DAB radio (UK | US)

7. Fairisle sweater (UK | US) // 8. Leather washbag // 9. Fujifilm camera

10. 'Snarkitecture' book // 11. Driving loafers // 12. Quilted gilet

13. Bicycle print // 14. A bottle of something // 15. The Borough Market Cookbook

16. A really lovely scarf - in camel, a burgundy tartan, or a dark navy and green.

17. A quality tie // 18. A watch that F has his eye on ;) // 19. Le Labo facial moisturiser and bodycare

20. A personalised satchel // 21. Coffee alarm clock (genius) // 22. Navy leather notebook // 23.Red Dead Redemption 2

GIFTS FOR // THE NEST-FEATHERER

I can't stop myself buying homeware at the moment. I say that as if it's a new thing though ;) I do think something for the home is the most lovely of gifts for a couple/friend who have just moved out/bought their first home etc.

1. Marble-y accessories - a marble tray and marbled agate coasters in this gorgeous green

2. Marble side table (that won't break the bank)

3. Himalayan salt shots - I just like how these look, maybe for tealights??

4. A matelasse bedspread (have and adore this) // 5. A cute calendar // 6. Another cute calendar

7. 'All In Good Taste' book // 8. And another cute calendar // 9. Printed ceramic vase // 10. Paris print (NEED)

11. Metal trunk cases - could there by anymore chic a method of storage?

12. 'Places' candle - this particular one is orange blossom, vanilla and sandalwood for Kashmir but there's a Charleston one too which sounds fab

13. Cosy grey throw // 14. Burgundy leather diary 2019 // 15. Adorable notebook
16. Velvet floral cushions // 17. Aerin candle // 18. 'May I Come In' book - fascinating // 19. Trenchcoat mug 



GIFTS FOR // LOVERS OF LUXURY

1. Tulle embroidered tiered dress (UK | US) // 2. Sleepy cashmere gift set (UK | US)
3. Gold coin necklace (UK | US) // 4. Annie Leibovitz book (UK | US) // 5. Cat eye tortoiseshell sunglasses (UK | US)

6. Set of gloriously fancy soaps (UK | US) // 7. Embossed highlighting compact (UK | US)
8. The most beautiful, pink bra and matching underwear // 9. Some incredibly chic luggage (UK | US)
10. A la rose perfume (UK | US) // 11. Baby's breath gold plated earrings  // 12. Camel wrap coat (UK | US)

13. Balmain rose gold plated hair couture gift set (UK | US) // 14. Sisley skincare gift set (UK | US)
15. These beautiful mirrors (UK | US) // 16. Mulberry leather pouch (UK | US) // 17. Mulberry hued sofa

GIFTS FOR // KEEPING COSY

For snuggly nights in, the creature of comforts and those that enjoy a little pampering.

1. Printed pjs (UK | US) // 2. Beautifully embroidered slippers // 3. 'Less Monday More Sunday' lounge tee

4. DIY lemon verbena bath bombs // 5. Silk eye mask (UK | US) - my favourite thing in life

6. Cashmere socks // 7. The softest pink pjs // 8. Cashmere ballet-style wrap

9. Summer Fridays face mask // 10. This wonderfully-French-inspired candle (UK | US)

11. Herbivore skincare gift set // 12. Cosy socks // 13. Silk cami

14. Rose quartz facial roller (and one in a fancy box) // 15. Copper-y candle

GIFTS FOR // GADGET-EERS

The latest and greatest for the somewhat tech-y. I've avoided things like iPhones, iPads, Apple watches etc as I wanted to share some perhaps less well heard of choices but of course they'd make a great and special gift too!

1. Polaroid analog Bluetooth camera (UK | US) // 2. Bluetooth speaker // 3. Mini 3D printer

4. Google Hub Home // 5. Interactive HD pet camera with treat dispenser!

6. Mini dual USB wall charger // 7. 3D pen // 8. Marshall speaker // 9. Leica camera (UK | US)

10. June Oven - a convection oven, air fryer, dehydrator, slow cooker, grill, toaster and proving drawer in one.

11. Wireless earphones // 12. Personalised luxury travel tech case // 13. DAB radio (UK | US)

14. The best portable phone battery // 15. Headphone splitters

16. PS1 classic mini console - for the nostalgic, comes with 20 preprogrammed retro games.

17. Smart notebook.

GIFTS FOR // FILLING THOSE STOCKINGS!

Small and/or affordable gifts for stuffing stockings to their brims.

1. Leonor Greyl haircare set (UK | US) - love this brand

2. 'The Art of Stripes' book (have this one and it's adorable) // 3. Silke London silk hair ties (life changing)

4. Set of 3 travel notebooks (UK | US) // 5. Beautiful bobbi pins // 6. Cashmere socks

7. Mulberry card case (and an affordable dupe here) // 8. Velvet hair bows - burgundy and pink hairties or a black barette

9. Briogeo haircare set (UK | US) // 10. Becca glowing skin duo (UK | US) // 11. 100 movies scratch list

12. Katie Loxton pouch // 13. Knitted alphabet Christmas ornaments (UK | US) - get one for all the family!

14. Bee embroidered eye mask and makeup pouch // 15. 'Hello Gorgeous' phone case

16. Bow gloves - black suede or black and white // 17. Fairy tales for adults // 18. DJ mini mixer

19. Le Labo discovery set (UK | US) // 20. Diptyque Baies gift set (UK | US)

21. Kora gift set (UK | US) // 22. Iles Formula travel gift set (UK | US)

23. Angelina hot chocolate tin (best ever) // 24. Christmassy chocolates

GIFTS FOR // THOSE WITH LITTLE ONES

Gifts for all of those naughty little monkeys, and for new mums and dads. Some of these are so heartwarming and adorable it makes me want little ones myself!

1. Beatrix Potter book collection // 2. Guess How Much I Love You book

3. Toy mouse navy jumper // 4. Personalised angel socks // 5. Peter Rabbit plush toy

6. Alice in Wonderland book // 7. Swaddling blanket ('Life grows lovely where you are' - my heart's going to burst!)

8. Gold counting sheep mobile // 9. Animal height chart // 10. Fisherman's dressing up set

11. Le petite baby book // 12. Baby milestone cards // 13. Wooden cash register toy

14. Doggy jigsaw // 15. Snowglobe biscuit jar // 16. Woodland finger puppet set (how cute!)

17. Wooden mixer toy set // 18. Tartan dress

19. Mummy, daddy, baby mug set // 20. Child's London apron

And for gifts that give a little back.

Happy shopping and happy festive season!

xx

WARM + ROSY FESTIVE HOLIDAY MAKEUP.

Gosh, is it that time of the year already? ;)

Today I'm bringing you a festively rosy makeup look, perfect for an evening, and featuring the most gorgeous palette that I didn't think I would, but have been dipping into daily..

MY BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING LIST.

T H E   P E R F E C T   W E E K E N D   T O   T R E A T   Y O U R S E L F . . .

I have waves of shopping urges, where I feel the extra inclination to start going a bit click-crazy and filling up my online carts..

This such one has timed itself rather nicely with the onset of Black Friday, so in preparation I've prepared a little selection of items on my shopping/wish list, in my cart, or already making their way home to me! (I'm terrible).

I'm a bit infatuated with homeware, style and a little helping of beauty at the moment, so that's primarily what I'll be sharing! And I've also added some coupon codes for my favourite sites, which I'll update as cyber weekend goes on. I hope you find something you love! :) (and apologies for reusing last years snap!)

Joules: Up to 50% off

Boden: 30% off with code N3N1

La Redoute: 40% off everything with the code BLACKFRIDAY

Cultbeauty: Up to 40% off

Feelunique: Up to 30% off

Dear Frances: 25% off with code BF25

Monica Vinader: 30% off

H O M E W A R E

M Y   S T Y L E

B E A U T Y

xx

BAKED APPLES // WITH CINNAMON + DATE NECTAR.

Well hello apple season.

And hello to my excuse for making oodles of sweet, sticky and otherwise unctuous apple-y desserts!

I said I'd let you know what I ended up doing with these apples we picked (up at the farm shop ;) in this recent OOTD, and whilst it was hard to choose a worthy recipe, I plumped for some beautifully juicy, sticky stuffed apples, baked to bursting point and oozing with syrupy, honeyed juices.

With only a handful of ingredients, they're the perfect, fruity treat to whip up for the winter months.

AUTUMNAL DRESSING AS A SIZE 14 (AND UP).

I did a summer version of this post a few months ago and it had a really great reception (in fact some of you even emailed me to comment/have a chat about it which was so lovely), so here is the A/W edition.

Again, I'll start with the proviso that whatever size or shape you are, you can dress precisely how you wish. But for me, some items/brands/stores/styles just don't seem to be cut well for my body or aren't comfortable, and others just really are. So I'm going to share the positive today, and let you know where I get my favourite pieces to accommodate a less than flat stomach, quality layering items that'll last you through the years and some of my personal tips for styling a body that isn't shaped like (or as toned as!) a mannequin this autumn/winter.

12 SKIN HEROES FOR COLD WEATHER.

It's always a bit of a process, swapping out your skincare routine every change in season, in favour of something a little more fitting for the weather, but a process no less enjoyable in my eyes.

Personally, my skin seems to vary a lot with the seasons, and with it, the products I like to use.

I'm feeling in a bit of a chatty mood, so if you care to hear/see me ramble a bit about skincare then read on!