Christmas: For your Mum who always seems to have the right advice and makes the tastiest mince pies

- luxury PJs for cold winter nights and new sheepskin slippers to go with them

- a gorgeous log stand to go next to the new log fire she's always wanted

- high quality brushes for her chalk paint obsession

- a sweet calendar for her desk

- a statement necklace to wear on Christmas day

- new Yoga wear for her weekly session

Christmas: For your sister who has the same daft sense of humour and taste in festive films

- A gorgeous cake stand and bell jar for displaying her cupcakes {for as long as they last}
- Flowers delivered in the post to cheer her up
- Glitter hair ties so when she's at work she still feels nice
- Simple gold jewellery for when she wants to mix it up
- Leather gloves because we live in Scotland
- an initial catch all tray and pretty earrings to drop in it
- a blarf {blanket scarf} because who doesn't need a giant blanket that you can wear outside
- art for her house

Autumn update

autumn update by bridget-s featuring a topshop top

The leaves are falling off trees, there is a distinct chill in the air and today, a rather ominous amount of mist. And I have to say...I love it. I love when Autumn rolls around. As much as I love sunshine and long days outdoors, there's something about the {romantic] notion of Autumn in my head. Cooler days, crunchy leaves and ever darkening nights. Cozying up by the fire, drinking red wine and layering up. Chunky knits, tights and boots. I'm much more at home dressing for Autumn and definitely have my eye on these items come payday. That coat and bag in particular are calling my name...

Love B x

Summer days

Ooo, it's been a little bit of a break from blogging - happened a lot this year! Guess that's what happens when you're busy busy! Anyway, looking forwards, we have finally booked our summer holiday and I could not be more excited to get away for a week in the sunshine. These are a few bits and pieces on my wishlist as my summer wardrobe is pretty non-existant {I never feel it's justifiable given the 5 days of sunshine we get in Scotland...}. We'll only have hand luggage so I'll be trying to keep everything interchangeable and well matched to make dressing up or down nice and simple! That said, there is always room for a killer red dress. Plus, how cute are these pjs? No harm in trying to look nice when we sit out on the balcony for breakfast in the morning! The bikini too - probably slightly out of my budget but you can't go wrong with a simple black bikini.

Oh I am so ridiculously excited!

B

x

Back to School

Perhaps not the most 'wow' of wish lists but heading back to university has me packing my bag up again and preparing for another 5 week stretch of lectures and tutorials. There is still that vague back to school feeling, though its wearing thin over here. Home stretch though, and my thoughts still turn to how I could make the every day just a little bit brighter - even if it's just thanks to the polka dots on my shoes or a bright orange notebook!

This flask would be perfect for the endless amount of tea I need to get me through a day and anyone who knows me would vouch for my love of lists {I think I need to purchase this notebook by Happy Jackson}. The handbag would be a huge downsize for my usual everything-but-the-kitchen-sink numbers but I'm still on a decluttering kick which is even extending to my accessories - it would be good to not need a map to navigate through the contents of my bag!

The glasses, devoid of lenses and from H&M, are a simple reminded to update the frames I've now had for a couple of years and the padded coat? Well that is simply because I live in Scotland. It's nothing fancy but daily jaunts into the playground make it an absolute necessity.

Love B x

Outfit Swap: Whistles

jumper//tshirt//jeans or options//shoes

I absolutely adore this outfit from Whistles. The colour combination is lovely - perfect for lazy summer days - and the shoes are to die for. I'd love to be able to afford the whole thing but it's just not going to happen. So instead, I've played around and put together a look that I think is pretty similar. It was just about as close as I could get without using any of the original clothes. It'll more than do! AND I can afford all of it - double hurrah!

What do you think?

Love B

x

Jubilation!

Diamond Jubilee ½ Pint Mug//Trooping The Colour Tray//i love liz' jubilee edition tea towel|//God Save the Queen cushion//Fortnum and Mason - Jubilee Tea//PIMM'S//British Jubilee Ribbon//Rounders//Diamond Jubilee egg cup

I had hoped to still be in a blissful state of snoozing at this time on Saturday morning but seeing as my brain refuses to switch off, I may as well blog. It is finally half term - hurrah - and I'm looking forward to a week of relaxation {and doing all the jobs that I never seem to have the time for otherwise!}. Before the little jobs take over, however, it's jubilee weekend! 

I love any excuse to make a cake and celebrate so the Jubilee weekend is right up my street. Plus I think the Queen is quite sweet really. In fact, if the K Mid thing didn't give it away, I quite like the royals. There is something so quintessentially British about it all. I refuse to be drawn into debates about "the spending of tax payers money yada yada yada" and instead I'd rather focus on some other, lovely, quintessentially British things. Like Victoria sponge cake and afternoon tea. Or Rounders {which I have now spent more hours of my life on than I can count}.

We're off to catch up with Sandy's family and some friends. Can't wait. Fingers crossed for some nice weather so the tea and cake can be enjoyed outdoors!

Love B x

Something on a Sunday..

Converse cap toe shoes, $70 // Zara ankle booties, £50 // J Crew j crew jewelry, $85 // Purist Bird Vases, £20 // Cambridge Satchel Company Exclusive To Asos 13" Neon Coral Satchel, $191 // Vintage Label Decorative Stickers - Gifts For Her - Gifts, £13 // Monsoon Oval Glass Flower Tray, £18 // Design*Sponge At Home Exclusive Edition, £20

It has been a long couple of weeks over here. A 12 day solid working week punctuated by some rather sad events has left me floored. It was, however, rounded off with a much needed and enjoyed visit back to the North East to see some much, much loved friends and family. People I always wish were closer. Anyway, as fun filled as it was {I reupholstered a chair! - amongst other things} I am still floored and about to embark on another working week. How did that happen?! Roll on the Jubilee and a much anticipated half term.

With that in mind, the only things I felt like sharing this afternoon were pretty things. Things that make you go 'oooooo. want.' Shallow? Kinda. Materialistic? Maybe. True? Yup.

That coral satchel in particular? I love it. I never thought I'd be a satchel kind of person but the colour is just so pretty. Though having just mentioned the satchel in particular, I now want to talk about every individual item 'in particular' too.

Brain is fried clearly. Look at the pretty things. Enjoy. I'll see you next week.

Love B

x

Lets get physical...

adidas by Stella McCartneyRun performance 7/8 tights | leggings |...

£70 - sweatybetty.com

Athletic shoes

$140 - nike.com

Nike Store. Nike C72 Legend (Large) Bag

$45 - nike.com

Fleece Earwarmer | ski accessories | Sweaty Betty

£15 - sweatybetty.com

Excuse the awful pun for a title but, like many of you I'm sure, January was meant to be the time for me to kick my ass into shape and get moving again. Now, I've been for the odd run and played a bit of badminton but quite frankly, I've done nowhere near as much exercise as I should have. I blame this entirely on the fact I'm a fair weather runner and the weather in Edinburgh right now is far far FAR too cold to tempt me away from the warmth of the indoors. I reckon, I need to find an active sport/exercise that I love, is maybe indoors and is one that will make me forget I'm playing sport {badminton might just be this...}. Until then, I can at least plan how I could look really attractive when I'm out going for a run. Ahem. Though, in reality, this is probably more accurate.

Do you have an exercise that you love?

Love B

x

Glitter...

Wow. Apologies for the radio silence. These past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of birthday celebrations for my lovely boyfriend and various other family members, visits to family and working lots of long hours. All things I should have taken photos for but completely forgot! Definite shame because I made an insane chocolate cake and birthday bunting for the boy's birthday. Ah well! Coupled with that, I've been feeling a little bit uninspired for topics: I've been crafting away like a loon but they're all Christmas gifts for people so I can't show you just yet {patience!} and I'm on a self inflicted shopping hiatus during November so post topics have felt a bit thin on the ground. That said, I finally feel back into the swing of things so hopefully we can just pick up where we left off!

Moving on...

Now that Halloween is over, I can't help but slip into a more festive frame of mind. I love dressing for this season - cozy knits, layers and boots - and I equally love the glitz and glamour that comes with winter. I've got glitter on the brain at the mo. From eyeshadow, to nail polish and clothing, I'm obsessed. I love the sparkle it can add to an outfit  - even those cozy, chunky, simple knits. I've pulled together some of my glittery inspiration images. As soon as this shopping hiatus is over, I fancy getting my mitts on a new glitter eyeshadow. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've got plenty of shimmery numbers but I'd love a true glitter {maybe MAC is the way forward?}. I especially love how sticking glitter on nails, eyes or even the back of your shoes adds an understated and unexpected bit of glamour to an outfit!

{all images via pinterest}

Love B x

Elie Saab

I don't think Elie Saab's Spring 2012 Ready to Wear Collection could be anymore beautiful. I love the gorgeous jewel colours and the sequins get me every time. Now if only I could afford his creations. That and the fact I don't really have anywhere to wear a floor length silk, chiffon and sequin gown. They are absolutely stunning though.

{all images via style.com}

Love B x

Personal Style

I'm not entirely sure what to call this post.  I don't want to label it a foray into 'fashion': to be honest most of my style would probably not be considered fashionable in the trend led sense of the world. Classic, maybe.  Fashionable? On the odd occasion.

That said - I love clothes. Love love love. I spend far too much time perusing blogs where the women seem to express and embody their own style with total ease and confidence. On the other hand, like I said I love clothes. And, like I mentioned in my last post {over a week ago - sorry sorry sorry!} I am keen to develop my own sense of style further. That, and I really do want this blog to be a reflection of me - original - and not just a repeat of the other things you find doing the rounds.

With all that in mind, I have decided to stick my head above the parapets and give you a glimpse of the outfit I wore today. Bearing in mind I spent my afternoon at work with a size able group of under 11s, it isn't the most glamorous of outfits, but both individually and collectively, I like it. Be kind {and dear god, forgive the awkward poses, the poor lighting/camera and the fabulous shade of red that our landlord painted our living room}:

Can't believe I'm sticking my face out for all to see but hey ho! The things I do for originality.  The top is from Topshop a couple of years ago, the loose cotton trousers are from H&M, the plaited belt is from a New Look dress and the gold sandals {which you can't see} are from Accessorize. Oh and the oversized rose gold watch is from ASOS. One outfit, courtesy of the high street. It's simple but oh so appropriate for today's glorious weather!

Like I said, be gentle. I'll be sure to upload more of these, alongside more photos of my own {I've got some marvellous cake ones to upload!}

 Love B x

9to5

I stumbled across a new blog over the weekend and it is safe to say, I am a little bit obsessed with it.  The beautiful Anh from 9to5Chic makes stylish dressing look effortless, whether during the working week or on an off duty weekend.  I'm currently trying to reconfigure my wardrobe {though I feel like I am on an endless quest to do that} and as well as needing to add key working pieces to my wardrobe, I would love to overhaul my weekend wardrobe too.  I feel that with my graduation in less than 2 weeks, I need to start building a real world wardrobe {does such a thing exist?}. I do currently try, and I feel like I have a reasonably clear idea of my style, but some days {probably far more than I care to acknowledge} it is just too easy {thank you freezing/rainy/windy Edinburgh} to throw on my jeans, UGGs and a jumper. Anyway, if the number of images I have just pinned is anything to go by, 9to5Chic is certainly going to become a solid source of inspiration.

Want to see what I'm talking about? Whether it's working style,

 Or off duty chic,

She has it totally nailed. And the wooden heeled YSL beauties? Want.

I feel like I spend a lot of time talking about home decor on here, whilst my interest in style doesn't get much of a look in.  Hopefully that's going to change!

Love B x