042 : ModCloth

Hey lovelies! I hope you've had a super start to the week, today I'm bringing you a lovely Polyvore outfit creation, featuring a gorgeous ModCloth dress. The first time I'd heard of ModCloth was actually a week or so ago, when the ever so lovely Rebecca showed the world her pie print dress (seriously - if anyone can pull off a pie print dress - its Rebecca!) I then got a lovely e-mail from Amy at ModCloth asking if I'd like to participate in their weekly Polyvore outfit challenge. How could I say no?! After much deliberating this was the outfit I've come up with..

The dress featured is the utterly gorgeous Palette on Parade dress I love the retro print and the shape is really flattering, I chose some simple accessories to go with the dress, including the 'Make Persimmon of Yourself' bag, I adore cross-body bags, I'm a total sucker for coral and the detailing is just beautiful, I really love gentle, feminine accessories and I think it would compliment the dress beautifully. I also chose a tan waist belt with a bow to break the dress up a bit, some red pumps (which come in lots of different colours, including pink which are just the cutest!) and a yellow cardigan. If you haven't checked out ModCloth, go and have a peep (especially at the shoes!).

How would you style the Palette on Parade dress?!

Lots of love 
xxx

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037 : Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide 2013

Aloha Belles & Beaus! Despite feeling unusually festive, I have to say, I despise Christmas shopping, I love it from the comfort of my bed, but venturing outside when its cold, busy, everybody gets in the way & don't even get me started on the queues. No thank you. I love to wrap, but not to shop. It's less than two weeks until Christmas now & it's when everybody begins to panic that they're yet to find the perfect gift. Panic no more, I've got it covered! I've spent the last week or so putting together the perfect gift guides for your bff's, bf's, mums, dads, grandmas, grandpas.. you name it! The hard work has been done for you, there's nothing better than giving (and receiving of course!) a thoughtful gift to someone you love. 

        (Pyjamas, Philosophy Cookie Exchange Gift Set, Heart Print Slippers, Charbonnel Pink Champagne Truffles, Lush Candy Box, Bare Minerals Obsessed With Pink Gift Set, Bobbi Brown Everyday Lip & Eye Palette, Cath Kidston Aubrey Rose iPad case, Accessorize earring set, Bambi Necklace)

I adore everything on this list, I really love the little bambi necklace, a definite favourite and at £6 - such a steal! With all of it being affordable & so utterly cute, you can't really go wrong, who doesn't love Lush?! The scent of opening a Lush gift set is just divine. Plus, which girl could say no to those beautiful floral pj's?! I don't think I'd ever leave my bed...ever.

 (Cath Kidston Garden Rose Day Bag, John Lewis Bathrobe, Zara embroidered Scarf, Afternoon Tea for Two, Laura Mercier Travel Quartet, Clarins All About Lips Collection, Leather Gloves, Liz Earle Candle, What Katie Ate, Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Hand & Body Wash, Next Pyjamas, Hotel Chocolat Pink Collection)

For the important ladies in your life, mama's, sisters, grandmothers.. I've picked something for everyone. From the sophisticated Zara embroidered scarf, in a gorgeous neutral tone, to the John Lewis dressing gown (comes in purple & red too!) - Since being an adult, I've not owned a dressing gown, the last time I wore one was 6 years ago on the hospital ward after having Alfie, all these years on, I'm pining for one to keep me nice & cosy in the winter evenings! Over the super-cute pyjamas from Next, heaven. Liz Earle candle burning.. utter bliss!

(Tartan Lambswool Scarf, Sennheiser/Adidas Ear-headphones, Origins Man Travel Buddies set, Beer Soap, Worldwide Beer Collection, Philips SensoTouch Electric Shaver, Tweed iPad Cover, Channel 4 News Team Mug, Stag Watch)

I've tried to include something for every kind of man here, from the guys that like their grooming products, the tech fans & the trendy lads, there's a bit of something for everyone. Although I will admit, I am in love with the Topman watch, wish it was a little more girly, I'd definitely buy one for myself! Anchorman is an all time favourite, the mug is a great little stocking filler for those wishing they were Ron Burgundys sidekick. I got my Mr an electric shaver last year and he really loved it, it's one of those things worth spending a bit of extra dollar on if you know it'll be used all the time :)

 

(LSA Vase, Charbonnel Boozy Box, Easy Tasty Magic Alchemical Larder, Chalk & Cheese serving set, Next Little House Lamp, ReWined Candle, Emma Bridgewater Mugs, Diptyque Candle Trio, Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Mug Candles)

While I think men are definitely tough to buy for, I think couples are harder. Whether they're newlyweds or have been together a lifetime, it's always difficult to find something both parties are going to enjoy. There's more house wares here and a few bits for those who like to entertain, I really like the cheese serving set, I love that it comes with a little piece of chalk so you can write which cheeses to choose, or just a cute love note to the significant other! My favourites have to be the Emma Bridgewater candle mugs, I love her prints and think these candles would look so beautiful & add a really cosy feel to any home. I'd love to see these in her heart print though! & the boozy Charbonnel selection.. definitely no bickering over the chocolate there!

I hope these have helped a few of you with some ideas! Have fun shopping!

Lots of love
xxx

 

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036 : Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

Hey Belles! Winter is most definitely here & I thought I'd treat you all to a little lifestyle post. Over the weekend, the Mr and I decided to pop along to the annual Christmas Fayre in my local town of Bury St Edmunds, every year, the usually sleepy town attracts thousands of people to the third largest Christmas market in the UK, who like us, couldn't resist the festive charm & spirit. With handmade trinkets & treasures, more sweets than you can shake a stick at, old fairground rides & games and of course mulled wine & hot chestnuts, its hard to say no. What better way to start feeling the festivities! 

For the young ones, the magic of Christmas is brought alive with real reindeers in the park, Santa's post office - where you can post your letter to Santa, face painting, a story telling tent, the vintage carousel & beautiful lights adorning the streets. But its not just for kids, for the grown ups theres enough mulled wine & hot cider to get you merry and keep you there for a good few days, a huge variety of hot food, from duck wraps, hot donuts, continental cheeses & sausages, carvery rolls, hot chestnuts, fudge.. you name it. Loads of local wines and beers from the brewerys and micro-brewerys around the area, its the perfect place to find a gift for the foodie in your life. And of course, gourmet coffees and delicious hot chocolates to keep those who were driving nice & toasty throughout the evening!

I really love walking around Christmas Markets, for me, it brings me into reality & really makes me feel super festive. I love seeing everyone wrapped up all cosy in their scarves & mittens and seeing little babies in their toasty little onesies & fur lined boots. The actual market itself was lovely, with everything from jewellery, hand blown glass vases & bowls, carved wooden sculptures, vintage hanging decorations (I had my eye on the sweetest little duck egg blue bird!), clothing, artwork, handmade soaps & smellies & live music to bop along to, I think there was a little bit of something for everyone & was definitely the perfect place to pick up a little treat for yourself, bit of christmas shopping!

 

I'm most definitely feeling festive now, although I'm yet to start my shopping, I can't wait to start wrapping presents! What gets you in the mood for the festive period? PS - what do you all think of the blog makeover?!

Lots of love 

xxx

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009 Style Icon : Chloe Moretz

Evening Belles! Massive apologies for the slack update, unfortunately I've been all tucked up in bed for almost two weeks with the flu! Definitely not been feeling my best, but I'm back up on my feet and raring to go! So be prepared for some massive updating and hopefully a little bit of redesign too! 

Hope everyone has had a good couple of weeks?! What have you all been up to? I spent the last couple of days in Brighton with the boyfriend, it was really lovely to spend some time together and the little cutie pie even made me some biscuits! (I don't think he'd ever baked anything in his life ever!)

Cracking on, this weeks Style Icon is the darling little Chloe Moretz, at just 16 years young, Chloe has made a massive name for herself in the acting world, beginning her career at just a teeny tiny 7 years old! She's starred in some massive movies, including The Amityville Horror, Kick-Ass, Hugo and Dark Shadows. 

Chloe's name in the fashion world has just taken a huge step forward, she celebrated her 16th Birthday this week, and most definitely celebrated it in style as she collected the award for Next Future Icon at the Elle Style Awards. Wearing a stunning monochrome dress designed by Stella McCartney and matching shoes with a cute yet elegant up-do and minimal make-up, she looked every inch the Hollywood Starlet that she is. 

Chloes acting career is set to take big boost as she stars as cult character Carrie White in the remake of the 1976 horror flick, Carrie. She also resumes her role as Mindy in Kick-Ass 2, which is scheduled for release this summer. 

I can't wait to see what 2013 brings for her and the contents of her wardrobe, I'm sure she's gonna be busting out some amazing outfits if the last year was anything to go by, joining the likes of Lara Stone, Ashley Greene, Naomi Watts and Uma Thurman at the front row of Calvin Kleins SS12 fashion show in New York. She can definitely do no wrong when it comes to her style status!

Who's your current Style Icon?! 

Blush & Belle x

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008 Valentines Wishlist

As Valentines sneaks upon us, I have to admit, I'm not feeling particularly full of the romantic spirit, unfortunately, Mr Blush & Belle and I are unable to spend Valentines Day together this year, which is a massive downer for me. I'm a total sucker for anything cute, romantic/remotely loving and Valentines is definitely no exception. I adore having that one day a year to make an extra special effort to show someone how much you really do care for them.Here's what's on my Valentines wishlist for this year...

EOS Lip Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet £5.99 (available from Naturisimo)
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £14.25 (available from Liz Earle)
Wal G Lace Dress £35 (available from Topshop)
Nail Rock nail wraps, in Loverheart £6.65 (available from Topshop)
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green £3.99 (available from Amazon)
Bird Earrings £1.50 (available from River Island)
Charbonnel Et Walker Milk Chocolate Truffles - 110g £9.75 (available from John Lewis)
Floral Gift Boxes £6.95 (available from dotcomgiftshop)
Cath Kidston Fold & Mail Stationary £7 (available from Cath Kidston)
Pink Lace Collar Top £16 (available from Topshop)

Whats on your Valentines wishlist this year..? 

Blush & Belle x

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001 Whats In My Bag?

A girls handbag is her sanctuary, the one place where all of our little knicknacks and daily deeds are hidden from the world, the contents of our bags can tell you a lot about our characters. I've decided to clear out my crumpled reciepts and stow away the odd bits of spare change and show you whats actually in my bag...

Handbag - My bag is by Marc B, I picked it up in the Oxford Street branch of Topshop last year and it soon became a staple in my wardrobe, I use it pretty much every day, I love the structured shape, masses of space and versatility. Marc B has become one of my favourite brands over the last year. 

Notebook - I always carry a notebook with me, everywhere I go, I tend to write everything down and make lots of notes and jot ideas before I forget them, I'm massively creative and feel inspired by everything from places I visit, food I've tried and the world around me, my notebook is full of weird and wonderful ideas that I try and put into practice as much as possible.

Diary - I like to think I'm quite organised and tend to keep my diary on me most of the time, I always like to know where I need to be and when so I can plan ahead! 

Book - I'm reading Breakfast At Tiffanys by Truman Capote at the moment, I think it should be a staple on every girls bookshelf! Quite possibly the most romantic book ever written, I love to read when I have time and keep my book on me for any quiet moments that pop up during the day. 

Body Spray - I've got some Charlie 'Touch' in my bag at the moment, it was actually a gift, I'm definitely more of a perfume girl but body spray is a given if you need a quick refreshing spritz! I'm a total sucker for anything that smells gorgeous and girly, for someone who isn't a fan of body sprays, this is definitely one of my favourite scents. 

Perfume - I love perfume, I love to smell good, the perfume I'm using at the moment is Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, its my all time favourite, completely classy and feminine. 

Lip Balms/Gloss - I have two lip balms chucked in the bottom of my bag at the moment, I tend to get bored of flavours and replace them pretty quickly, one of them is a passionfruit one from the Body Shop, it tastes absolutely delicious and has a really pretty sheen to it, perfect for this time of year! The gloss is the one I use the most, its the DuWop Venom Gloss, you can buy it from FeelUnique, its currently on sale, a total steal at £12.80!

Hairspray - I carry Lee Stafford Climate Control around with me all the time, my hair is prone to frizziness at the tiniest drop of rain and it keeps all my flyaways under control and completely weatherproofed.

Keys - I only have one keyring on my keys, a little floral 'H' that I picked up from Accessorize, I have my house keys on there and the key to my Mini, I'm so grateful to be able to drive, I wouldn't be able to cope without my car!

Hand Cream - My skin gets massively dry during the winter, especially on my hands, I love hand creams from the Body Shop, I have the Wild Rose one at the moment but I find the Almond smells a little nicer and is a little more moisturising. 

Purse - I bought my purse a couple of weeks ago in the Cath Kidston sale, I was pining after a new one after my Topshop one completely fell apart, I love Cath Kidston products and the purse is definitely no exception, the print is beautiful and theres just enough room for all my cards and coins (although its empty at the moment! - oh dear!).

Umbrella - I have a really bad habit of getting caught up in the rain, I can't bear getting drenched! I've only recently begun to carry my brolly around with me just in case! The weather in England can be so unpredictable at times, its a given!

Whats in your bag..?

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