Christmas Presents

A bit late with a Christmas presents haul but I'm always in two minds when sharing gifts 'cos there's always the risk of people thinking you're bragging; personally, I love reading these posts - I'm noisy like that - and it's a great way to get ideas and find undiscovered gems. :)

Gorgeous DKNY bag - the colour is in between brown/grey - smart looking and I will definitely save it for special occasions.

People know me well and they have been certainly feeding my pugs & owls obsession! :)

Check out these pugs salt&pepper shakers - Awesome or what?!!!

I love watching American Pickers and my husband got me a t-shirt from the States - love the rooster logo!

The frame with the wire is an handmade jewellery holder; the shabby-chic feel is right up my alley and it will look perfect against the purple wall in the bedroom.

Basilur Tea is a tea brand that I discovered few years ago and my mum sent me a new selection book over the holidays; I don't normally like fruity teas but their selection are delicious/yet not too sweet. I'd definitely recommend to check their website http://basilurtea.co.uk if you're a tea junkie - prices are average and their packagings are beautiful too.

Beauty related goodies: Especially Escada Eau de Parfum is a fragrance that I've been liking since it came out few years ago; it's described as joyful and light-hearted and I couldn't agree more - definitely not overpowering.

My sister also got me this Laura Ashley Fig Tree & Cassis Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Gift Set because she knows I love fig scents; this smells like proper fig leaves with a sweet twist and the hand lotion is also very good quality and light. I don't shop in Laura Ashley often enough, they are currently having a massive sale and I will make sure to pop in and check it out.

Finally… Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette! Yes, I couldn't resist and asked Santa for it. I will do a dedicated post with swatches soon. 

Inside The Jewellery Box...

Swarovski Mimosa Rings

My husband bought me this set for my 30th birthday - I wanted a piece of jewellery (something that lasts) for a special birthday. I got them for a couple years now and I still totally love them.

You can wear them together or alone, of course. 

First ring has an heart shaped red stone, the second an oval light pink stone and the third is a gold rose with pave' crystals down the sides of the flower; all bands are a darkened silver toned colour, which is a bit different and the vintage style of the setting.

 I also have the matching bracelet with the pink stone - the picture doesn't do it justice, the colour is actually more intense and they are really cute worn together to add an extra feminine touch to any outfit.

xxx

Inside the Jewellery Box...

I started this series few months ago and I got to say I received some really positive and nice feedback from you, guys... Thank you so much for your lovely comments!

Today I'm gonna share some custom rings that I own:

I prefer thin rings and my favourite are stackable ones; I don't mind a big statement cocktail ring but it has to have a thin back, otherwise I find it uncomfortable to wear and make my fingers swell.

I like to wear these 2 rings together - the hammered on the left is from Accessorize and the second from Orelia @ Topshop. I like the dark stones and I think they look good together. 

 This set is from Topshop, few years ago - I usually wear them all together, spread on middle and index finger. My favourite are the rose and white band with the hearts.

 The 3 rings on the right were an absolute steal. I got them on ebay 4 years ago and paid £2 for them. The metal is still vibrant as the day I got them... shame the ebay shop is now closed, I would have picked more.

The purple bow ring is from Asos, it was also £2 on sale - It's cute!

This ring is from Dannijo - I like the oxidized metal, the chain and the military-esque stars.

Probably the biggest ring I have - my husband always says that it doubles as a weapon... hehe fair enough! ;)

 Left ring: I really like purple&turquoise combo. I actually found it on the floor in a club I used to work when I lived in Cardiff... It's from Swarovski and it fits so I decided to keep it. I really like it, actually.

 I like the idea of the laser cut diamond shape but this ring is just soooo impractical to wear.

Cocktail rings:

l-r: Topshop, Topshop, New Look, Miss Selfridge, Warehouse

This is one of my favourite - I like blush, as a colour, a lot!

I wear it with this bangle set with the matching blush bracelet and distressed metal.

 Another cheap set from Asos.

 Rose gold is my favourite metal, currently and I thought the thin, empty hearts of the earrings were quite cool.

 Finally, the oldest and most precious of the set: this is a Russian gold ring and my mum bought it for me, about 15 years ago. Love the vintage, classic style.

So, what do you think?

I'd like to see some of your pieces too - link me back to your blogs :)

xx

Haul / January Sales

Hobbs Caravaggio Dress £199 £59
ohhhhhh I'm so pleased about this purchase!
I've been eyeing this dress since I saw it in August and finally, at under 60quid, I can afford it. :)
Beautiful print, soft at the touch and flattering waist and sleeves. Smart enough for a friend's wedding later in the year... it will both suit a spring or autumn event.

Oasis Crochet Ruffle Snood £16 £7

I actually thought this was a scarf but turned out to be a snood, not an issue for me.

I spotted it in the sale pile and loved the colour and lace knitting pattern - I couldn't leave it behind for 7quid.

Ted Baker Nail That Performance £12 £6

I already mentioned how I wanted this nail set when I go the lip pens tin.
I have only tried 2 colours so far but I'm impressed: colour is pretty opaque with only 1 coat and the glitter is very fine, leaving a smooth surface. They also dry very fast. I suppose the real test is to see how long they last without chipping.

Ted Baker Rowon Rocking Horse Earrings £29 £14.50
I couldn't resist these sweet Ted Baker's studs at half price. Love the rose gold colour, unfortunately the matching ring was too small.

Ted Baker Jewellery Travel Box £46 £31
uh! Apparently Ted Baker theme going on... ;)
I received an House of Fraser gift voucher at Christmas so I picked up this small jewellery box. I chose this colour combo 'cause it's smart and it'd look beautiful on any dressing table. It comes with a magnetised compartment inside.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet-Creme £20 £10
I bought this in Debenhams - I think they are discontinuing Caudalie so everything is on offer; the packaging has now changed but I don't mind this bottle.
I have plenty of day creams that I need to finish first, but this is one of my favourite and was on my list of items to repurchase. You can read my review here.

Finally not sales related but I also got some yarns and needles to getting started with my NY resolution: knitting. I discovered John Lewis has got a wide section... I couldn't wait and I've already started - I'm enjoying it very much... any other knitter out there??!
xxx

Inside the jewellery box...

I have decided to start a new series on the blog and share few of my jewellery pieces.

I love jewellery - well who doesn't, I hear you say... - I really consider them an investment, they are easy to store, they don't keep up much space... and I'm constantly falling in love with a new piece to add to my collection!

I'm starting with Swarovski Malaysia Pendant & Earrings which were a Christmas present from Richard. :)

 You can, of course, buy them separately but I like to wear them together for full effect.

Siam heart-shaped crystal and clear crystal pave' - quite difficult to photograph it properly and do it  full justice. The necklace is just the right lenght, sitting on the collarbone - they're sparkling but discreet, too.

Decadent yet elegant!

xxx