Why More People Are Investing In Sterling Silver Jewellery

Sterling silver jewellery is by far the shiniest of all the precious metals. A lot of people choose to adorn themselves with sterling silver pieces over any other metals. In fact, both the popularity and value of silver has risen, making way for even more choices among sterling silver designs.

Here are 5 reasons why people choose to invest in silver jewellery.

1. The Value of Sterling Silver

While it is the most brilliant and whitest metal, sterling silver is also more affordable than platinum or gold. Since it is a fraction of the price of gold, finding a stunning piece of silver jewellery for a modest price makes for more variety and allows customers to feel like they have found something sensational for a good price. You can take a look at the collection of silver jewellery here.

2. Durability of Silver Jewellery

Silver is a harder metal that can stand the test of time. It can be filed down effortlessly and polished to repair a surface that has been damaged or simply worn out with normal wear. Rings can be sized quickly and easily, and repair costs in general for this metal are economical.

3. Artistry and Design

The variety of jewellery designs in silver is abundant. This is mostly because new artists can afford to cast a lot more designs in this metal than in platinum or gold. This means that there are more and more new jewellery designers and new concepts on the market. The Silver by Mail silver jewellery collection has some gorgeous new designs.

4. Different Styles in Silver

Sometimes it is tough keeping up with the latest jewellery trends. But since silver jewellery is more affordable, customers are able to update their wardrobes more frequently and mix and match as they please.

5. Interchangeable

Many customers find that silver jewellery is easily interchangeable with platinum and gold items. They can don stunning silver designs with other items from their jewellery box, which means that a variety of designs can be worn together as unique ensembles.

Many people adore sterling silver for its bright lustre. The marketplace has seen resurgence in sterling silver simply because it is less expensive to produce and buy compared to its platinum and gold counterparts.

Customers love the fact that sterling silver pieces are great value and highly durable. They can keep up to date with the latest designs without having to pay a fortune to procure them.

Today, many high-end designers enjoy casting their unique jewellery designs in sterling silver. It’s not uncommon to see beautiful precious gemstones being set in silver, either.

Jewellery lovers are enjoying this concept and being able to afford new pieces from popular designers.

While sterling silver may require a small amount of special care to retain its simmer, that doesn’t bother today’s customers. They have learned how to look after their precious pieces and find that it is well worth the effort to continue enjoying all the advantages that purchasing sterling silver has to offer.

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Review: Lose Yourself At Octer.co.uk - An Online Shopping Mall You'll Want To Revisit

I was recently introduced to online retail site Octer.co.uk, a new website which not only allows you to search for your favourite items but let's you select your purchases by store as well as item type.

Octer is a start-up company developing mobile-first, e-commerce technology with the goal of making online shopping simple. As you might expect you can shop using Octer via your mobile or tablet too.

The best way to describe it is as an online shopping mall.

I was given the chance to try the Octer shopping experience by selecting a maxi dress.

You select the category - in this instance "Womens" and you can either search by the item category "Dresses & Skirts", shop by brand or shop by store.

If you select "Dresses & Skirts", you are given a further set of options to select from.  I chose "Maxi Dress" and was taken to a page with loads of fabulous dresses to choose from.

These options give you an incredible amount of choice!

Once you have selected a dress, you simply click straight through to the retailer..

Whilst looking for your maxi dress, Octer will suggest loads of similar styles you might like and allow you to check details such as price, size and availability by a one click link through to the relevant store.

Each item clicked on appears in a separate window and everything is under one 'virtual roof' so that you don't have to have keep going to and fro from other websites.

Technically this will speed up shopping.  In reality I found I could spend hours on Octer!  You don't just get one or two alternative suggestions, you get pages of them which you can sort according to low or high price too.

Not only does Octer offer fashion but it also offers beauty, technology, interiors, gifts and sports products.

So what did I choose?

My lovely Jarlo Yara Green Maxi From Asos.Com

I found this lovely green overlay maxi dress from Jarlo Yara Maxi Dress at ASOS.Com.

Octer is well worth exploring if you fancy a full shopping experience without the stress of a crowded shopping mall on Saturday.  And if you've every tried that with kids in tow, you know exactly how stressful that can be!

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Tips For Looking Stylish In All British Weathers

We all know that the British weather can be slightly unpredictable.  One minute it's lovely and warm and the next minute you're stuck in a downpour.  It makes staying stylish in summer a real challenge.

How do you balance the changing temperatures and the constant risk of rain whilst still looking chic rather than crumpled?

These tips may help.

1. Take a spare pair of shoes, ideally flats or wellies.  It's a good idea to keep these in the boot of your car so you always have them. You can change into your sparkly sandals when you get there to avoid turning up with soaked feet!

2. Wear waterproof mascara and take extra precautions with your makeup by using a waterproof foundation and a longer lasting lipstick. A primer will also help to keep your makeup in place.

3.  You can also protect your hair with an anti-frizz serum or a humidity proofing hairspray. Scarves are always handy to shield your hair from the sun or rain.

4. Have an emergency umbrella. It may not be used but it's better to have one just in case.

4. Always carry a pocket size pack of tissues. The cold or wind can make eyes and noses water.

5. Carry a wrap, cardigan or shrug. I have recently discovered that good quality Cashmere knitwear can be had at prices that won't break the bank.

6.  If you're off to do the school run and pushing a pram or pushchair, you might want to invest in a lightweight coat with a hood.

7. Wear lip balm to protect your lips from the drying effects of the sun and any cold and windy conditions! Don't forget to apply a good hand cream with an SPF either.

8. Wear several layers so you can put them on or take them off as the weather changes.

9.  But don't forget your sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun's glare.  Look for a pair that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.

10.  If you are travelling on the underground or public transport a small portable fan may come in useful and it's always good to have a bottle of water if you have room to carry it.

If all else fails, make sure you've got the latest blockbuster novels loaded on your Kindle or phone so you can lose yourself in a great book and forget that you are more bedraggled than groomed!

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Review: It's Time To Make A Stand4socks - Socks That Make A Difference

Father's Day is approaching (Sunday 19 June) and one of the most popular presents to give your dad is some new socks.

Like my socks?

Now socks are a bit of a battleground in this house, not least because the Husband and I have very similar sized feet and this makes his sock drawer fair game.  Men's socks are so much more comfy I find.

All the Husband's socks are black with varying patterns.  (He's a man of habit).  He claims, outrageously, that I deliberately mismatch his socks as an act of marital defiance.

The thing is, matching 20 pairs of black socks in a dimly lit room wearing the wrong glasses is likely to create the odd, um,interesting pairing.

Dressing in the morning in the various London hotels he hides in all week means playing what he terms as "sock roulette".

Anyway,  I recently discovered a brand of socks which should solve my sock myopia nicely - and a brand, moreover, that has charity at its heart.

Stand4socks sells unique socks designed by entrepreneur Josh Turner.  Each pair is ethically made and creates a connection between two people in the world, as each sale has a 'buy one, give one' impact.

This means that when you buy a pair of socks, instead of giving a pair of socks or a percentage of the purchase to charity, the company gives a measurable, tangible aid in the form of education, food or medicine.

Not only this, but the company also raises funds and gives away nearly 20% of its revenue, not profit, to the charities they support.

Stand4socks is committed to tackling social causes and supports the United Nations Millennium Development Goals

Each sock design supports and raises awareness of a different cause such as Gender Equality, Measles Vaccinations, Clearing Landmines or the Syrian Refugee Crisis.

The socks have the cause's logo on the ankles and are ethically made in two sizes UK 4-8 and UK 9-12.  They have a high quality finish with a reinforced heel and toe and are made of 80% cotton, 18% polyamide and 2% elastane.

Here are some examples of what buying a pair of Stand4socks can do.

1 pair of Stand4socks can

- plant 20 trees
- vaccinate 6 kids against measles in Bangladesh
- provide 25 days education in Afghanistan
- provide 2 antenatal check ups in Uganda
- clear 2 metres of landmines in Laos
- provide entrepreneurship education in South America
- pay for a child's healthcare in Uganda
- provide 2 weeks education to a Syrian refugee
- provide 24 hours in a safe house for a woman and her family in Ethiopia

The socks are priced differently according to the cause they are linked to.

I was sent a pair of socks designed to raise awareness of Child Health Issues which are priced at £6.99.

Time To Stand4socks

This design helps support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, "Good Health" through one pair of socks paying for a child's healthcare in a Ugandan unique children's hospital Stand4socks supports.

More than half of the Ugandan population is under the age of 15, and dying children are turned away for parents without any money. This is why the brand supports (Stand4) Whisper’s Magical Children’s Hospital in Jinja, Uganda.

Isn't that a wonderful idea?

Does it make a tangible difference?  Well, in December 2015 as an example, Stand4socks planted 2500 trees, vaccinated 228 children and provided 252 days of education of Syrian refugees.

This is what Stand4socks helped to do in December 2015

This Fathers' Day, if you're buying dad socks why not buy him some which do good as well as keep his feet warm.

And they're so brightly coloured I don't think there's any danger of the Husband having to play sock roulette.

I may even actually buy a few pairs of my own.

You can find more information and select your socks at www.Stand4socks.com.

*I was sent a pair of Stand4socks to review - and they're staying in my sock drawer.

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Stylish Cashmere & Wool Knitwear You Can Machine Wash?

I have always been a big fan of knitwear.  It's so versatile and so easy to dress up or down.  And it's perfect for our unpredictable British weather.

Buttoned Poncho & Shrug (pre-wash)

I was recently challenged to try Wool Overs cashmere and wool to prove that, not only does the company offer a super soft wool and cashmere blend but, better still, you can wash it.

From small beginnings in 1989, Wool Overs is now a world class knitwear retailer and supplies around 750,000 customers with men's and ladies classic and contemporary knitwear.

Having identified that today there is a greater need to use natural, renewable products, Wool Overs believe that wool is ideally suited to fulfil this need because it provides warm, stylish, and durable garments.

I have to admit, given my highly dubious laundry skills, that I was more than a little skeptical.

Wool Overs knitwear comes in a variety of styles but I tried the multi-way Buttoned Poncho & Shrug in a flannel grey.

Poncho worn as Cardi - pre-wash

Made from a blend of 30% Cashmere and 70% Merino Wool, it can be styled multiple ways and comes in 6 colours.

You can wear it as a cardi, a poncho, a shrug, a waistcoat, a bandana, a headscarf, a scarf and a cape.

8 ways to wear the same garment

I found my poncho to be super-soft and well made.

Now, to the laundry test.  You need to make sure that you follow Wool Overs' instructions to the letter.
You have to make sure that you wash your garment on a wool program, using a non-bio detergent at a maximum spin speed of 600 rpm.

Use a LOW temperature of 30 degrees maximum.

NEVER use biological detergents or stain removers on wool, silk or cashmere fibres because the enzymes will eat holes into your garments.

You can't use any old non-bio detergent either.

Wool and natural fibre detergents can be found at most supermarkets.  Look out for Woolmark-approved own brand products or brands such as Silk and Wool, Woolite, Stergene and Ecover Wool Wash.

I also washed my poncho in one of those net bags to prevent any extra damage from spinning.

I have to say that I was really impressed.  The garment came out of the wash in perfect condition and after a cool iron looks like new.

Poncho - after washing - no difference!

I can see that my poncho will become a new wardrobe staple and I plan to invest in a couple more pieces such as one of their cardigans or a Breton Strip Boat Neck Jumper made from 70% cotton and 30% silk.

Wool Overs can be found HERE or you can contact them on Facebook or Twitter.

*I received my poncho free in return for an honest review.

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Spring Bags 2016 I'm Loving

There are sooo many fabulous bags out there to choose from and what better way to freshen up your wardrobe without too much of a splurge (although sometimes your heart leads you astray).

These are my current favourites.

Bow Handle Cross Body Bag, Floozie By Frost French At Debenhams

I love the colour of this bag from Floozie. It features a bow handle on the top, a fold over popper fastening design and a detachable shoulder strap.

Vivienne Westwood Bunny Shopper £170 - Vivienne Westwood Bags

How cute is this bunny shopper from Vivienne Westwood Bags?  As you'd expect from Westwood, there is plenty of quirkiness which ensures that any of her bags automatically become investment pieces you want to keep and revisit year upon year.

River Island Structured Tote Bag - £45

This is a striking mustard yellow suede structured tote bag from River Island. With white top handle and white side tassel details, I think it's great value at £45.

Antonello Woven Tote - £295

This is a really unusual bag with a bit of a 70's vibe about it. Antonello took inspiration from hand weaving techniques from Sardinia for this bag which has a beautiful tribal pattern adorning the front.  This bag would look fab matched with a white outfit to make the colour pop.

Marc Jacobs Embellished Backpack - £712.18

This statement backpack combines casual graffiti-print cotton canvas with nickel hardware and has backpack straps, looped top-carry handle, zip-around closure and front zip pocket.

Simply Be Tweed Shoulder Bag - £20

This bag with pastel colours and a gold chain is an absolute bargain from Simply Be.

Micro Sidney Fringe Bag From Whistles - £85

The bucket shaped bag has a drawstring closure with fringes and a metal chain.  Very bohemian!

So there you have it.  Which one is your favourite?

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Planning Your Wedding? Here's 5 Ways To Save Money Without Sacrificing Style

Even if you’re determined to make your wedding day extra special, you might not be prepared to part with vast sums of money for the privilege.

But the fact is, if you’re not careful when planning your big day, costs can quickly spiral out of control.

There are plenty of beautiful second-hand and vintage bridal gowns to be had

From your clothing to your catering, you’ll have a host of expenses to cover.

The good news is, it’s possible to save money on your nuptial celebrations without sacrificing on style in the process.

The following five suggestions could help you keep your spending under control.

1. Select a second-hand dress 

Wedding dresses don’t tend to come cheap, but there is way to bring your costs down. Instead of buying brand new, you can take your pick from the selection of second hand wedding dresses now available.

There are a host of gorgeous garments to choose from online and from specialist stores on the high street.

Whether you want a classic, embellished, lace-trimmed or vintage look, you should be able to find something that suits and that fits within your spending limit.

2. Book off peak 

Another top money-saving tip is to arrange your ceremony outside of the peak wedding season.

Most people want to tie the knot in the warm spring or summer weather.

So, by planning yours between November and March (excluding Valentine’s Day), you can reduce your bill by between 20 and 30 per cent.

Also, you may be able to drive costs down further by walking down the aisle on a Friday or Sunday rather than a Saturday.

3. Have your ceremony and reception in one place 

Consider having your ceremony and reception in one location too.

For example, if you do the whole thing in a hotel, you won’t have to worry about the cost of transporting guests between venues.

Save money by holding the ceremony and reception in the same place

If you’re planning to tie the knot in a church, find out if there are any suitable places to hold your reception in nearby.

As well as saving you cash, this can cut your stress levels on the big day.

4. Get someone you know to do the photography 

Your wedding day will be over before you know it, so you’ll no doubt want plenty of pictures to remind you of it.

The trouble is, professional photographers can cost a fortune.

So, if you know someone who’s skilled behind the lens and who has a good quality camera, why not ask them to take your snaps instead?

Sometimes, the pictures taken by friends and family are the best when it comes to capturing the intimacy and emotion of these romantic events.

5. Have a buffet instead of a sit-down dinner 

Having a sit-down dinner might be a tempting idea, but it won’t come cheap.

An effective way to make your catering more cost-effective is to opt for a buffet instead.

You could bring your food bill down by a significant sum if you select this less formal dining style, so it’s certainly worth thinking about.

Your guests will enjoy the grub just as much, and you won’t be left with as big a hole in your pocket.

Each of these five suggestions could make you major savings, and the best thing is, they don’t require you to sacrifice on style.

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A Secret Solution To Looking More Pert - Pertz leggings

After finding her perfect pair of leggings in a boutique abroad which gave shape, support and a slight shimmer and being unable to find anything comparable at home, Caroline Hyde spent 18 months designing, researching fabric and testing to reproduce her perfect pair of leggings.

Leggings - Pertz, Top, Guess

Pertz leggings (The Shape of Feeling Good) are her solution and I was sent a pair to try.

Pertz leggings have a unique design and are manufactured to limit any ‘muffin top’.They have a hidden tummy control panel whilst the fabric used helps give the bottom a smooth yet pert appearance.

Many women wear leggings with a tunic top or long jumper to disguise their waist, tummy and bottom and Pertz leggings are designed to be worn this way.

They are, however, designed to show off your legs since the leggings will minimise any visible bumps from cellulite and give the appearance of toned thighs.

Pertz leggings come in sizes small to extra large - going from sizes 8-22 and cost £45 per pair.  They are available in one colour, black, and in a choice of either Capri or Standard lengths.

So what did I think?

My initial thoughts were that the material was very thin and the leggings looked so small I wondered if I would actually get them on.  I was sent the medium size (12-14) to try.

The fabric reminded me of compression sportswear and the tummy control panel has quite a pronounced seam forming a noticeable 'V' shape in the crotch.  This is easily hidden under a tunic top or jumper.

To put them on, you almost have to roll them on like tights the first time you wear them and you need to gently pull them up.  I would not advise trying to put them on with long fingernails or wearing jewellery.

Although they came up to my navel, I would have preferred them to reach up a little higher but I suspect this may because I have quite a short body and long legs.

Extra options for leg length could be something for Pertz to consider in the future.

This might possibly be solved by going up a size, although this may well compromise the overall fit.

I found the leggings gave a good shape and I liked the slightly glossy finish.

You can feel them supporting you but without the uncomfortable pressure some shapewear garments give you.

And you obviously need to wear a thong or invisible pant line type pants.  You won't get away with your 'comfy pants'.

As I mentioned, my only request to Pertz would be to adjust the sizing for those of us with longer legs - in other words the leg length / length of body ratio.

Would I buy them?  Yes I would.  They are great for giving you an extra bit of confidence and help to hide that 'mum tum'.

Don't I look pert? 

I think I would keep them for special occasions though.  I've managed to put holes in the knees of a couple of my usual pairs of leggings (John Richmond Star Leggings from Debenhams) when playing with the kids on the floor.

And I wouldn't want to ruin a pair which make my bottom look more pert!

For further information go to www.pertz.co.uk or you can find them on Facebook or Twitter.

*I was sent a pair of Pertz leggings to review.

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Valentine's Gifts For Her

Valentine's Gifts For Her by lindahobbis featuring a sexy lingerie

Ann Summers sexy lingerie
very.co.uk

Tom ford perfume
johnlewis.com

Kate Spade New York Cedar Street iPhone 6 / 6s Case Wristlet
£68 - shopbop.com

Marciano cat's eye Sunglasses | GUESS.eu
guess.eu

Biba Gold heart crystal emblem earrings - House of Fraser
houseoffraser.co.uk

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Blush Palette - House of Fraser
houseoffraser.co.uk

Valentine's Hearts & Truffles Chocolates - Hotel Chocolat
hotelchocolat.com

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Festive Outfit Inspiration From Bonprix

It's that time of year when not only do we girls have to ensure that we produce a Christmas lunch worthy of Nigella for the family and presents to satisfy the most discerning, but we're supposed to look stunning at the same time.

I don't know about you but finding time to plan a spectacular outfit is a bit tricky - not to mention factoring in the extra cost.

Happily, the Bonprix stylists have done the job for me - and at a very reasonable price too.  Here are their suggestions for four rapidly approaching Christmas events.  See what you think.

The Work Christmas Party

I'm hoping you'll be treated to a fabulous meal somewhere swanky.  Drinking champers out of your footwear might be a slightly career limiting move though.  The last Christmas party at the Law Firm involved a tray of sausage rolls from the sandwich bar downstairs and some perry.  How the other half live, eh?

Sequin Bodice Mermaid Dress - £49.99

Satin Diamante Sandals - £39.00

Lace Print Clutch - £17.99

Christmas Jumper Day - Friday 18th December

Friday 18th December is Christmas Jumper Day for ITV's Text Santa which this year is supporting Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-A-Wish UK and Save the Children UK.  You can find out more here.

Just text SANTA5 or SANTA10 to 70760 to donate £5 or £10 to these great causes.

Wearing a Christmas jumper is rapidly becoming a Christmas tradition but there are some tasteful ones out there!

Christmas Reindeer Jumper - £24.99

Over-the-knee Boots - £39.99

Flattering Jeggings - £24.99

 Christmas Day

If you're going to be in the kitchen cooking (or supervising whilst nursing a glass of wine), you might not want to wear anything too elaborate.  These separates are the right combination of practical, chic and sparkly.

Sequin Trim Cape Jumper - £24.99

Slim Pleather Trousers - £29.99

Hollywood Earrings - £14.99 (not shown)

Kitten Heel Ankle Boot - £29.99

New Year's Eve

These days our New Year's Eves tend to involve watching Big Ben and the fireworks on the BBC and then switching over to Jools Holland (if you get the chance to see him live, go!).  That's no reason not to dress up though, is it?

Shimmering Wrap Dress - £34.99

T-Bar Glitter Sandals - £39.99

Bead Choker - £14.99

All clothes are available from size 6 - 24 and there's currently 25% off and free delivery with your first order when you open an account.

Have a stylish Christmas.

Further information at www.bonprix.co.uk.

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New In Fashion & Accessory Treats

These are some of my favourite fashion and accessory treats - just out now, in time for the approaching Christmas party season.

Purple Long Sleeve Lace Dress With Tie Up Detail - Glamorous.com £38.00

Leaf Clutter Ear Cuff - Diva at Miss Selfridge - £8.50

Dune - Aimey Court £79

La Redoute Lace Dress - £26.25

Elvi Sequin Tassel Dress - Simply Be - £129.00

Folli Follie Earrings

Triple Layer Fringed Clutch - Very - £28

Shoe Box North Platform Graduated Glitter Court - Very - £28.00

Black Sparkle Wrap Jumpsuit - Wallis - £38.40

There are some gorgeous pieces on the high street now.  Which is your favourite?

There's loads more fashion info and tips on my fashion page.  Just click HERE.

Thanks for reading Mother Distracted.  I really appreciate your support and I'd love it if you could share this post across social media. If you’re new to Mother Distracted, why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram. 

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10 Fab Faux Fur Coats & Jackets Under £100

I love this time of year, not least because it gives me a reason to wear as much faux fur as possible.

There really is no excuse for wearing the real thing any more is there?

And some of this year's faux fur coats and jackets are an absolute steal.  

I'm treating myself to the beauty from F&F.

Which one is your favourite?

New Look - £54.99

Matalan Yeti Faux Fur Coat - £45.00

Blue Faux Fur Coat - Very - £79

Phase Eight Katya Faux Fur Jacket - £99

Petite Faux Fur Coat - M&C0 - £89

Black Faux Fur Coat - Wallis - £80

Marks & Spencer Twiggy Coat - £99.00

White & Petrol Blue Faux Fur Jacket - Glamorous.com - £87.00

George at ASDA Hooded Faux Fur Coat - £40.00

F&F Monochrome Faux Fur Jacket - £39

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