Wear your party dress during the day

We all have one of those dresses which we're probably only going to wear once, but this is to show you that you can pull off party-wear during the day! Obviously sequins may be a bit extreme to try wear in daylight hours; but metallics and shimmery fabrics are perfect! 

I totally love this liquid metallic dress from H&M, it's actually quite shapeless (which would look fab on a night out with bare legs - but isn't ideal for the day), so I used a thin belt and pulled it through a bit to give it a more defined waist. The colour is super easy to match with any colours/ prints so I chose something a bit out-there with my colourful leopard top.

The mustardy background and blue spots are really chic and different, defo gives something different compared to your average leopard prints. I would definitely recommend this top as a wardrobe essential!  

By choosing just one accessory it keeps the dress-factor to a minimum. Although I did go for a rather evening style bag.

This holographic clutch has to be my fave bag ever! Just like the dress, it matches any colours etc. I also love how in the light it reflects blues and pinks (which look great with the top). Usually I go for a satchel style bag due to the space, but I didn't realise how much you could fit into this style until I was bought it as a gift!

Shoe wise, I'd stick to something black or a pair which match your top. I had to get this pair the other day! Chunky heels during the day has to be one of my fave looks, and this black pair are amazing. You could easily pair them with a cute pair of socks during the cold weather! 

Dress: H&M

Top: Topshop

Clutch: Topshop

Shoes: New Look 

Day to night

Since the weather is getting colder and many of us are starting to go to festive nights out, I wanted to show you how simple it is to update your daytime look ready for an evening out.

Choosing staple pieces is essential in pulling this off; you need a great dress or top and bottoms which can be easily accessorised. I went for a cute floral see-through top and a pair of patterned tailored shorts. Mixing patterns/ textures is one of the best trends going as long as you get it right - using prints which match in different colours or clashing designs which compliment each other. 

Adding a leather jacket and chunky boots, which match one of the garments, is a great way to add something to your day-time look. The leather jacket is a great choice for AW and can be made girly or edgy, depending on your preference. 

I love my Topshop jacket because of it's details - the studs give it that extra biker element, whilst still looking super feminine. It can also be worn with the night time look because of the colour and cut! 

Adding a statement necklace is one of the easiest ways to dress up any look! I chose this one due to the different layers and textures - it stands out from my outfit, but matches the look perfectly!

Adding heels is definitely the most obvious way to transform your look from day to night! these velvet ones with gold mid-heels look fab with the necklace and match the jacket; pulling the whole look together! Black tights are optional, but i'd definitely recommend based on the temperature! 

A great hair-style to wear all through the day is soft curls; they can look really effortless during the day, and super glam at night! (Just make sure you use plenty of hairspray!)

All clothing from Topshop, Shoes and necklace from H&M. 

Party season - What to wear

  

Since the party season is quickly approaching, and many people have work meals/ parties to attend, me and Flo from ox-prettyinpink-xo thought it would be a good idea to give our followers some outfit inspo. 

I'm wearing an all over sequin mini dress from H&M which was an absolute bargain at £9.99! 100% my NYE dress! It has a high-ish neck line with a slightly scooped back (probably best to go braless). They had the same dress in black but I completely fell in love with this green colour! 

Flo is wearing a fake leather skirt from H&M with a Miss Selfridge 90's style crop top. This is an easy way of going slightly more casual, but still looking dressy enough for a night out! Miss Selfridge have loads of these tops in different colours and prints so theres something for everyone! 

We both went for black tights, but whether depending (especially for me in South Africa) you could go bare legged. Flo wore her look with glittery heels from Next to add a bit of sparkle, but I went for my usual cut out boots. However *shock horror* I have some new boots ready for Africa! 

We didn't manage to get any outfit detail pictures due to the weather, but I will defo post some of the sequin dress when i'm away! Loads of websites have different sequin dresses, or you could order this one on H&Ms site! If you're not into leather, you could easily go for a normal black skirt, or even jeans. 

Something different - Handmade gifts

Looking for some christmas gift inspiration? How about something handmade? Something different; henna candles, dreamcatchers or butterflies!
My mum's friend and her daughter handmake all of these stunning gifts. All can be made by request, or you could just choose a colour scheme and see what you get!

Henna candles are definitely something I had never heard of. When I saw them I was in awe! They're soo stunning and can be used anywhere! Initially I had a couple which I never burnt, but much to my surprise they become even better after being lit! By lighting the candles and letting them burn down 3/4 inches, the henna stays in place and creates a lantern effect! You can then place a tealight in the centre and it will light up the henna! 

There is so much possibility for design! And a choice of a pillar/ rounded candle. Patterns are the obvious choice in terms of design, but you could even have an owl, elephant or peacock! Each candle comes with a flower ring too which matches the candle!

Dreamcatchers are my absolute fave, I have about 4 in my bedroom alone! The one pictured above is an example of the largest size, There is fabric wrapped around the outside, flowers attached, a peacock in the middle and tons of pretty decorative lace and feathers hanging from the bottom! Design for these is super diverse - I've had a gold metal heart turned into a dreamcatcher with pearls and black feathers! Christmas designs are also available with small figures featured (similar to the peacock). 

How about a different christmas tree decoration? All of the butterflies are made with a special meaning; to symbolise something. You will receive a note with every butterfly explaining this message. These are two of the large options, design will depend on size, but colour is completely up to you! Both of these feature a new design with the small flowers within the chains, these are also available in different colours! 

All of the butterflies are perfect for hanging in windows, or anywhere you fancy! Each butterfly has a small silver charm of your choice at the top, ranging from the tree of life, an ohm or small birds. My new favorite is a small ring with 'Faith, love, hope' written on it!

These stars are a brand new addition to the collection! This is a wooden option, however there are also silver/ gold! The one pictured is also frosted with small crystals which look like snow/ice! They would look absolutely fab hanging in your christmas tree! 

If you're at all interested in any of these gifts, feel free to email me at lauren.saltonstall@gmail.com with any questions! I am happy to take order requests to discuss! If you are wanting to order please include: the item you are interested in, your colour choice, your design choice and any other preferences! :) All prices depend on the different items/ sizes, please feel free to ask! 

Guest Post - Flo-bella's christmas wish list

Check out my guest post on my best girl's blog! Click the image below to view the post! 

November Wish List

Image definitely reflects your personality, and I think creating a wish list gives people an insight into the ideal you. I already have my christmas wishlist ready, but this is about showing you my ideal self!

    1. The first thing on my list is Ted Baker's botanical bloom bikini:

http://www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Swimwear/TTEMM-Botanical-bloom-print-bikini-top-Pale-Pink/p/115603-59-PALE-PINK

As some of you already know, I will be spending December/ January in South Africa and having this to wear on the beach would be a dream come true! The print is so delicate, plus the colour would look fab with a tan! I love Ted Baker's collections, especially the printed products. 

    

    2.

http://www.felicefabric.com/simoes-tribal-fit-flare-bodycon-dress/

Recently I have been lusting over this Felice Fabric Tribal fit and flare bodycon, I spotted the dress online when researching brands and completely fell for this beauty! The design is perfection and the colours are super pretty. 

    3. Most people know I LOVE white shoes! Which is obviously why I chose these to go on my wish list! 

 

http://www.harrods.com/product/tribute-croc-sandal/saint-laurent/000000000004542014?p=4542014&cat1=new-shoes&cat2=shoes-women-all

Saint Laurent shoes are timeless, and this pair is gorgeous! The subtle crocodile texture could be easily matched with anything and the style is super diverse. 

    4. Jeans are a staple piece for everyone's wardrobe, and ripped pairs are totally in right now!

http://liquornpoker.myshopify.com/collections/shop/products/liquor-n-poker-mohawk-white-ripped-mom-jean?variant=1005977280

I would 100% pair these with the Saint Laurent shoes and a simple white top. All white = my fave. I really love how the ripped detail isn't large holes, just distressed; which means they can be worn casually or dressed up.

    5. PJ's are an essential, but finding the perfect nightwear can be a challenge! 

http://www.bouxavenue.com/cynthia-spot-teddy--pink--mix/201349-20px

Boux Avenue's Cynthia spot teddy is uber cute and definitely feminine - not your average pair of comfy pyjamas. Garments like this always make you feel confident, fabby for a movie night with a special someone. I'd definitely wear this with cosy knee high socks (cute and warm).

    6. Makeup brushes are definitely an important base to your makeup collection, and having a good set is worth the money. 

http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/products/2286/Brushes-etc/Organisers/Brush-Sets/index.tmpl

Bobbi Brown's basic brush set has every brush you will need to complete any look. I love the design of these brushes and the simplicity of them. 

    7.  I adore a good matte lipstick, they can last all day and give an edgy finish to any look. I experiment with colours and I think this Illamasqua number is lush!

http://www.illamasqua.com/shop/products/lips/lipsticks/matte-lipstick/corrupt-lipstick

The shade is corrupt and is described as 'warm bright pink', the swatches look fab and the packaging is amazing!

 

    8. My 18th birthday is coming up in a few months, and I've already dropped a few hints to my parents about this little gem. Which girl wouldn't love to have something from Tiffany & Co.?

 

http://www.tiffany.co.uk/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=GRP01703&mcat=148204&cid=287466&search_params=p+1-n+10000-c+287466-s+2-r+-t+-ni+1-x+-lr+-hr+-ri+-mi+-pp+107+14&search=0&origin=browse&searchkeyword=&selectedsku=22993771

They have sooo many amazing designs, but I love this simple band with the brands name on it!

    9. Fur is fab for any occasion, casual or dressy. ASOS never disapoints when it comes to the latest trends, and these metalic shoes with fur detailing are gorgeous!

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-HOW-WE-DO-Heeled-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4331538&cid=19903&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=White+mix&totalstyles=1040&gridsize=3





I love how the detailing is at the back rather than over the toe, it offers something different to other pairs available (not that I don't adore them too). But this design is super different and unexpected,they could easily be worn with some jeans or a dress.

    10. Okay the most extravagent item on my wish list HAS to be from my favourite fashion house; Dolce and Gabbana. Their collections are insane and definitely began my interest in fashion.

http://store.dolcegabbana.com/gb/dolce-gabbana/short-dresses_cod34440211pd.html

Owning a piece of their clothing would be completely surreal!  The lace detailing and cut of the dress is utter perfection. The colour is obviously a bonus for me, simple but stunning!