Gold Accessories For Summer

Apart from my wedding band, I never really wear gold jewellery. Although I do own some beautiful pieces of real gold that were my mothers, I tend to stick with silver; that was until quite recently. The jewellery featured here are new items I have picked up since giving some of my unworn costume jewellery to the charity shop.
The triangle necklace with the star was from Not On The High Street and is 18k gold plated. The enamel is available in five colours. I chose the white as it will go with anything. The 'M' is my daughters initial. The longer necklace is from Accessorise from the Z range and I have worn them together as they are different lengths for the boho layered look. The Fiorelli bracelet is one of my favourites and the band is a very soft grey/gold colour. I also bought my best friend the exact same one as we have extremely similar tastes. The bow bracelet was from Miss Selfridge in a sale for 50p and is quite dainty on the wrist. It's actually been a nice change for me to wear gold especially as the weather is sunny and I'm slowly getting a tan which I think compliments the jewellery.

Rachel xx

Love Letters Coin Purse by Disaster Designs

In an attempt to declutter my life and home, I have decided to try and get a bit more organised. I have already taken a load of clothes and household items to the charity shop and the next step was to carry less in my handbag. Do I really need six lipsticks, two glosses and two pairs of sunglasses, not to mention eight of my daughters' hair clips and Peppa Pig stickers...?
This coin purse by Disaster Designs is great for keeping together not only loose coins, but also those said lipsticks (maybe not all six) from rolling around in my handbag so that when I need a lippy top up or change for the car park, it's in one place. I might even keep keys in it as they always disappear when I have heavy shopping bags.

The purse has a magnetic clasp and it is made from very soft material. The appearance of old parchment is a lovely touch and really looks like an old love letter. The floral cloth lining is super cute. The whole Love Letters range is amazing and would make wonderful gifts.
This normally retails at around £11, but I found this on eBay at a good price as it was an unwanted present. Temptation Gifts currently have 20% off the whole Disaster Designs so this purse is now £8.40.

What would you keep in here?

Rachel xx

J by Jasper Conran Mock Twist Lock Toe Post Sandals

A new season for me means a new summer wardrobe, and what better way to start than with shoes. On the day that I bought these I did sneakily buy another pair of flats but I'll post about them another time. These are by Jasper Conran in the 'J' range at Debenhams are called Mock Twist Lock Toe Post Sandals (bit of a mouthful). They are only available in black which is such a shame as I think that these would be nice in tan aswell.

I like the small detail of a faux twist lock and the buckle has an elasticated piece for wider heels. Available in sizes 3 to 7 and priced at £39, but currently there is 20% off in store and online.

Happy shopping!

Rachel xx

River Island Aviator Sunglasses

After my faithful pair of sunglasses broke and a break in the cold, stormy weather, I bought a new pair from River Island. I wasn't really sure what style I wanted so I tried on a few and decided on the aviator style.

These are the gold tone tortoise shell arm aviators and have a filter category of 2, so not the best UV protection but for £10 I wouldn't expect any higher.
The actual glass is just the right size for my face shape and finish just at the top of my cheeks so when I smile they stay in place and don't bob up and down!
Some minor glare from the sun but otherwise a nice pair of sunglasses that will never go out of fashion.

The sunglasses are in-store and online and you can buy them here with different colour options other than the ones that I have bought.

Let's hope the sun stays out for a while.

Rachel xx

Next Clothing Haul ~ Winter Brights

I decided to brighten up my wardrobe after taking my unwanted clothes to the charity shop last week. Whilst walking past Next in town their window display of bright warming colours caught my eye and I popped in for a look.

I ended up buying two items; a coral scoop neck jumper with hearts with a bow tie at the back. It's quite see through so I will need to wear a cami underneath. It also comes in black and Ecru which is basically white and costs £30. Take a look at it here on the Next official website.

The second item was an over-sized red check shirt with roll up sleeves. I can either wear this closed or open with a vest top underneath when the better weather comes. The shirt is also available in blue check, blue stripe and white and costs £25 here.

With black skinny jeans and boots to complete the look and I'm all set. I have two black pairs of skinny jeans, but I reckon there's always room in my wardrobe for one more...?

Rachel xx

My Most Worn Boots

With the winter season lasting for what feels like an eternity, I decided to invest in some decent boots a few weeks ago. I had been on the hunt for a black knee/calf length black pair for some time after my trusty old ones literally fell apart. In November I popped into Schuh in the hope of being able to find a pair and BAM I sure did by Blowfish. The style is called Kasbah and is a black slouch biker boot that pulls on easily with the buckles as a detailed yet practical feature. They can be tightened/loosened if you want. The best thing about these boots is that if like me, you have a wide calf, they are a good fit as I normally struggle to find ones that pull up past my ankles! The Kasbah is unfortunately a bit expensive at £75 but I was able to use my student discount since I'm back studying at Uni part time! You can buy them online here from Schuh online with free delivery. I wear them most days with skinny jeans.

The second pair I bought was just before Christmas when I was looking for something to wear for my works night out. Money was quite tight at the time due to buying presents, household bills and new shoes for my daughter so I was looking for a pair that I could use again instead of being slung to the back of the wardrobe. The River Island boots are imitation suede with an elasticated panel. The heel is 9cm which is just right for me. They are still available online for £35 here but delivery is extra. I have found myself wearing these for evenings out.

Rachel xx

My Oasis Wish List

I hadn't visited an Oasis shop for simply ages as the nearest one to me closed down some years ago, and I very rarely get to visit the big smoke where there is one. I was able though to pop into one in Birmingham in November last year when I was at the German Christmas Market.
I have always loved Oasis clothing as I find their clothing soft and feminine and always appeals to me    whatever the current styles. That day I only bought a handbag as the jumper I wanted in my size was out of stock, damn.
Anyway, with Christmas now over and the new season S L O W L Y approaching I thought I would update my wardrobe. I have sorted a few items for the charity shop to make room for some new gear. Hurray!

Above is my wish list that I will be ordering over time (I simply cannot justify ordering them all at once; or can I?)
1. Star print sweater in light neutral, £38 here
2. Swarovski heart bangle in a copper colour, £20 here
3. Sparkle ballerina flats in pink, £18 (sale) here
4. Metal tipped collar shirt dress in blue, £45 here
5. Pocket front t-shirt in pink, £28 here
6. Stars and stripes scarf, £20 here

You can view all their beautiful clothing, shoes and accessories here at the homepage.
Why not make your own wish list and post it on your blog and remember to leave a link to it in the comments below.

Rachel xx

Casio ~ Step Back in Time

My apologies for not posting in such a long time. I have had lots going on in my life that time has flown by and I'm not really sure I've even accomplished much!

My blog post today is to tell you about my lovely Casio watch that was kindly sent to me for review by The Watch Hut in an association with the lovely people at etailPR.

With its lovely burgundy colour and a classic design it has quickly become a firm favourite in my watch collection (I have quite a few). It's extremely light and comfortable. Doesn't catch on my clothing which is a huge bonus. I hate a snagged jumper! I've worn this watch most days and I have given it a fair trial.
The stainless steel strap is easy to adjust to tighten or loosen. I normally wear a chunky type watch so this is a nice change for me.

It is from The Watch Hut for £24.75

Rachel xx

Has Primark Got A New Rival? + Win A Years Supply of Clothing!

MRP or Mr Price Group are the South African equivalent to our beloved Primark. The online site is easy to use and has a range of clothing and accessories, shoes, swimwear, sleepwear and underwear and prices start from £1! Although at present there seems to be a bit of summer fashion still stocked (I guess they have to cater for a wide range of countries with different climates) this hasn't put me off. With long, short and no sleeve items, there's something for everyone.
And it's not just ladies that have all this wonderful stuff! There's a whole load of menswear and a children's section too.
If you are really on a budget but still want the latest styles then this is the site for you. I have been looking through the site and have put together my wishlist..so far...but I feel it may just get a bit bigger by the time I finish looking.

I know what you're thinking...based in South Africa...how much will my order cost to ship to me? Well that's the even better part. The website states that if you spend over £54 it is free delivery to the UK. Under £54 is £6. Not a bad price really. And I doubt that I would buy just one item from the site at a time.
At present, MRP are running a competition to win a years supply of clothing which I have been kindly selected to share with you. Please click on the banner on the right hand side to enter. You can also just visit the site from there if you don't want to enter to win.
I really can't wait for my order to arrive.
Let me know what you think of the site and if anything catches your eye? Have you already made purchases from MRP? Let me know in the comments below.

Rachel xx

Which Handbag Are You?

Aaah Next, how I love thee. 

I was 14 years old when I actually bought myself a pair of shorts from there with my own money. I had a Saturday evening job doing waitressing at my local pub for pittance, and I had managed to save up enough money for some make up and an item of clothing.

Anyhow, as I come back to this decade and remember what I'm supposed to be writing about I came across this lovely chart at the Next blog. With the new season coming fastly upon us it's only a given right that us women treat ourselves to a new handbag. I mean we really need one for the new season don't we?

So what better way to choose a handbag that suits your lifestyle...

Source ~ blog.next.co.uk

To be honest, I spend every weekend differently, so I guess that's why I have so many bags in different colours, sizes, shapes and fabrics, or I just have a little addiction.
Whatever the style you're looking for, Next have a massive variety for you to choose from. I actually have my eye on this beauty...the metal corner shoulder bag in camel at £24.

As I said before aaah Next how I love thee.

Rachel xx