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Wednesday 14 December 2016

Let's Get Cosy

Let's Get Cosy


Sweater
bagheeraboutique.com


Frye over-knee boots
£420 - shopbop.com


UGG boots
£295 - luisaviaroma.com



Scarve
farfetch.com


Accessorize beanie cap
£26 - accessorize.com


PALE ASH NO. 12 PAINT
designersguild.com


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Review: Howick Junior Kids Clothes at House of Fraser

Since Caitlin had some new clothes for her birthday in November, Ieuan has been worrying about his 'look'.  Convinced he is the new Derek Zoolander I am under strict instructions to find him something 'cool' to wear and happily House of Fraser has stepped in to help out.

Ieuan wearing Howick Junior Quilted Pique Polo


Howick Junior is just one of a number of designer brands at House of Fraser with great clothing for kids.  (You can also find Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein for example).

Ieuan chose the Howick Junior Quilted Pique Polo (now £13 reduced from £22) and the Howick Junior Padded Boys Gilet (now £21 reduced from £35).

Detailing on Howick Junior Polo

I particularly liked the detailing on both garments which are very well made.

Ieuan is tall and can take an age 8-9 or even a 9-10 in some brands but both these were in age 7-8 and fitted him perfectly.

Ieuan wearing the Howick Junior Pique Polo Top


The length of the polo shirt is good too - nothing worse than a top which gets no further than the waistband of the trousers!

Ieuan wearing the Howick Junior Boys Padded Gilet

The lining of the Howick Junior Padded Gilet


The gilet is nicely padded with a bright lining and two pockets to keep hands warm.  It has a zip and studs.  Again, the length is good.

If you're looking for kids' clothes for Christmas you can find some great savings now.  There's free delivery when you spend over £50 or you can order up to 6 pm for free buy and collect next day.

We are lucky as we live just outside Cardiff which has a large House of Fraser store.

In fact I worked there for two years many moons ago but that's another story ......

Ieuan giving the thumbs up by the Christmas tree

For more information on the Howick Junior Kids Range go to www. houseoffraser.co.uk.
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Thursday 1 December 2016

Win A Gorgeous Kate Spade Watch From Shade Station

Shade Station is the UK's largest independent designer sunglasses, glasses and watch online retailer with over 140 of the world’s leading brands - and a brilliant place to find Christmas presents for all the family.

I have spent quite some time browsing their ranges which include brands like Fossil, Guess, Emporio Armani, Calvin Klein and DKNY.  They even do prescription glasses - Chanel, Oliver Peoples and Rayban to name a few.

They offer 35 designer sunglasses brands so even the fussiest person should find something they love from Tom Ford, Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Prada to edgier brands including Ray Ban, Carrera, Police and Prada Sport and the sports focused brands including Oakley and Dragon.

They carry a huge range of watches - over 55 brands and I particularly love the Kate Spade Watches.


Kate Spade New York Gramercy Grand Watch


and then there is a great selection of unusual men's jewellery from brands like Storm, Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani.

The husband isn't a big jewellery fan but he will wear cufflinks.

Calvin Klein Cufflinks


Storm Kempa Pendant

although I might persuade him to wear one of these.

Shade Station also offer goggles for extreme sports enthusiasts and lifestyle accessories such as backpacks, luggage, belts, hats, key rings and belts by leading brands including Oakley, Nixon, Dragon and East Pak.

Shade Station also offer free next day UK delivery.

Now to the giveaway.

I have a fabulous Kate Spade New York Holland Watch worth £173 to give away to one lucky winner.


Kate Spade New York Holland Watch worth over £170

Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget and terms and conditions apply (see my competitions page).  The giveaway is open to UK entrants only and ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 16th December.

Entrants must complete all the mandatory questions on the Rafflecopter and leave the answer to the giveaway question in the comments below this post.

Please note that whilst every attempt will be made for the winner to receive their prize before Christmas, this is not guaranteed.   



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck!
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Tuesday 15 November 2016

A Better Way To Find Black Friday Weekend Bargains

Brace yourselves because Friday 25th November marks the start of Black Friday Weekend.

Ah, Black Friday.  Three words that conjure up visions of amazing deals, frequent confusion and occasional brawls in supermarkets.

shopping mall at Christmas


No wonder then, that many of us would prefer to beat the battles in the stores this November, and find the best deals online with our feet up in the comfort of our own home.

This isn't without its frustrations either though because online home shopping often involves trudging through a thousand websites with fifty tabs open whilst you look through items you don’t want before you get any seriously good deals.

It's at this point that you find out your item has sold out in your size or your colour choice isn't available.

Or, even worse, the retailer's website crashes completely so you don't know if you have actually bought anything.

But I've discovered a website that brings all the sales across the internet in one convenient place with the aim of saving time and money, and keeping your stress levels manageable.

Lovethesales.com  brings together all the sales from over 500 of the top brands and retailers across the UK for you to choose from including fashion, homeware, electronics, outdoor and a kid’s section, making finding those hidden gems so much easier.

You can search the sales in your tailored sizes so you won’t be disappointed and can also sign up for sale alerts for your favourite brands so you never miss a sale again.

If you’re looking to find something a bit warmer over the Black Friday weekend, then the UGG sale  is a great place to start for warm, fashionable shoes and accessories from this world renowned brand.

These gorgeous gloves  feature a snug wool  lining and come in purple, grey, brown & black, a perfect Christmas present to tick off the list (and we bloggers do love a list, don't we?).


Classic 2point gloves, was £125 now £49. 61% off

Sticking with the warm theme, there’s nothing like updating old and tired coats for new and vibrant colours. In the coats & jackets sale you’ll find plenty of durable winter coats that will brighten up any outfit while keeping the chills at bay.

The Barbour sale mixes cool quilted jackets with waterproof winter coats, like this zip up waterproof parka.

Barbour waterproof parka, was £199 now £140, 30% off

Whether you’re getting your Christmas shopping done early, or stocking up for change of season clothing, this is a great way to shop the sales and avoid a shopping center meltdown!


*collaborative post
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Thursday 3 November 2016

Keeping Warm And Cozy With Style This Autumn

The summer is well and truly over. We have already had a few cold days, and can expect many more, so now is a good time to update your autumn wardrobe with some warm clothing.



Right now, there are some great deals available, so it is a good time to buy some of the more expensive items like boots and coats. If you can wait a week or so, you may be able to pick these items up in the Black Friday sales. Many retailers drop their prices by more than 50%, but just for one day.

Stylish long coats

This year, long coats are back in vogue. If you are looking for a smart coat for the commute, you will easily find what you are looking for. Most designers have opted for single-breasted cuts, which look particularly smart.

There are also some nice casual styles available. Pared down parkas and classically cut bomber jackets are available in most stores, as well as duffle coats with a modern twist.

Stylish boots

When it comes to footwear, low heels are still in fashion. There are high heels available, but they are mainly party shoes. Boots wise, full length is the way most designers have decided to go. Most are close fitting, and very chic, so they look great with the classically cut, long coats that are available, this year.

Jumpers

Given the changeableness of the weather, layers are the best option. Having a cardigan or jumper available to put on over the top of a long-sleeved blouse or t-shirt is always handy.

There are some nice looking women’s jumpers available online, and on the High Street. Baggier cuts seem to be all the rage, this year. But, if that is not your style, do not worry because there is also closer fitting knitwear available.

Lengthwise, the majority of the jumpers are mid calf, which means they are very flattering, as well as cosy. If you want something a little different, there are also some nice looking crocheted jumpers out there.


Nightwear

The fact that the weather is colder is not all bad. Getting everybody into their pyjamas early, snuggled up on the sofa with some snacks, and watching a movie together is a great way to while away the evening.

When it comes to women’s pyjamas, there is no shortage of choice. Onesies are not as popular as they once were, but most designers have included at least one in their nightwear collection.

Loose fitting pyjamas that are made from natural breathable fabrics, like cotton, are everywhere you look. But, there are still some nice silky, lingerie style nightdresses, as well as shortie sets on sale.

Christmas presents

Clothing always makes great Christmas presents. If you have a friend, or family member, on a tight budget, buying them a pair of boots or a good coat is a great idea. The chances are they would not be able to afford to buy something like that new themselves. As a result, that type of present is especially welcome.
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Saturday 10 September 2016

Feeling Too Mumsy? Fashion Tips For Mums

It’s quite common for ladies who have had babies to begin feeling ‘mumsy’ after a while. In some cases, they feel out of touch with themselves. They forget who they were before they had a baby! They also want to wear clothes that keep them as comfortable as possible, and this sometimes mean sacrificing style. You don’t need to worry about this anymore. These fashion tips for mums will help you!

Image Credit
Invest In Some Awesome Shapewear

If you’re self conscious of your body after having a baby, invest in some awesome shapewear. You can wear this under anything, from your going out dresses to your casual wear. If you really invest in a good brand, it should be comfortable enough to wear whenever you like. It’ll smooth you out in the right places and help you to feel more confident. When you look for things like Debenhams offers and coupons, you don’t have to spend a fortune.

Define Your Personality And Buy To Suit It

If you want to get your style back and stop dressing like a ‘mum’, define your personality. Maybe your personality has changed a little from when you were younger. That’s fine! Just work out what it is. Are you a bubbly lady with a love of pink and cute animals? Then buy a pink jumper with a bunny on it. Obviously that won’t be everybody’s ‘thing’, but you’ll be much happier when you wear clothes that suit your personality.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Not only do you need to consider your personality, but your lifestyle too. If you spend most of your time out of the house, then you’ll want durable clothing that will keep you comfortable. If you’re in the house a lot, it doesn’t make sense buying a ton of pretty dresses!

Know Your Body Shape

If you want to feel your best, knowing your body shape and dressing for it can make you feel amazing. You could show off more of your waist with dresses that flatter your figure, for example. There are plenty of guides on this online. However, you should know that if you like something, you should wear it! There are no strict rules, and you should feel free to wear anything that calls to you.

Black Always Wins 

Black clothing can look great, but you need to make sure you’re doing it right. It can hide a multitude of stains, flatter, and be perfect for mums. Just make sure you include different textures, to stop the outfit looking drab. Making sure you balance it with your fit can help too.

Use Accessories To Finish Your Look

Don’t forget accessories to finish your look. A waist belt, watch, or statement ring could make all the difference. Even the most boring of items can be dressed up with the right hardware!

Don’t lose who you are just because you’re a mum. Celebrate your style and personality and you’ll feel great every day! Do you have tips you like to use when dressing? Leave a comment!
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Monday 22 August 2016

On Trend Menswear For Autumn & A Fab Giveaway From Mainline Menswear

The approach of autumn usually signals that it's time to update our wardrobes and whilst there are some stylish men who will already have worked out which of the upcoming trends they want to adopt, I suspect the average bloke is still muttering about how his range of Motorhead, Black Sabbath and tropical patterned tee-shirts will be quite enough to last throughout the winter.



The answer is some sensible negotiation and a spruce up of the Husband's wardrobe with some stylish shirts, tees and hoodies.

We recently discovered Mainline Menswear, a leading retailer specialising in men's designer clothing, footwear, and accessories.

Established in 2004 the Mainline Menswear website carries a huge range from top men's fashion brands such as Armani Jeans, Armani, Hugo Boss, Diesel Jeans, G-Star, Adidas Originals, Fila Vintage, Franklin and Marshall, Ralph Lauren, Original Penguin Clothing, Superdry, Lyle and Scott, Pretty Green, Levis Jeans, Replay Jeans, Stone Island, CP Company, Paul Smith, Henri Lloyd, Ted Baker, Belstaff Jackets, Lacoste Trainers, J Lindeberg, Fred Perry, Mens Timberland Boots, Luke 1977, Edwin Jeans, Cruyff Trainers, Nike and more!

You can find Designer Jeans, Designer Jackets, Designer T-Shirts, Designer Jumpers, Designer Long Sleeved Shirts, Designer Shirts, Designer Shoes, Footwear and Trainers, Designer Socks, Watches, Designer Flip Flops, Designer Boxers and Designer Swimwear.

All orders are dispatched using their premium UK next day delivery service.

We were offered a Hugo Boss Polo Tee Shirt to try and the husband chose the one pictured above. The quality is excellent and the sizing 'true', with no pulling under the arms and with a sensible length in the body.

And Mainline Menswear have kindly given me a £100 gift voucher for one lucky winner so that they can update their autumn wardrobe.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget below and the usual terms and conditions apply (on my competitions page). The giveaway is open to UK entrants only and ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday 18th September.

For more information visit Mainline Menswear online or you can find them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Tuesday 9 August 2016

The Versatile Men's Work Shirt - From Hawes & Curtis

How versatile is the work shirt?  The Husband has a wardrobe full of corporate shirts in a variety of colours and stripes but they are worn on Monday - Friday only which, when you think about it, is a bit of a waste in terms of getting value for money from them.

We were recently introduced to Hawes & Curtis, a British clothing company for men and women with 25 stores in the UK and an online store.


Established in 1913, the company specialises in quintessentially British menswear and womenswear ranges, with stylish, good quality, value for money shirts, suits and accessories with over 100 years of heritage behind them.

They challenged us to prove that the humble shirt is a truly versatile garment and the Husband volunteered himself for the task.

The Husband's work takes him all around the world and he's a stickler for quality shirts that are comfortable to wear but look the part in the boardroom.  But it also makes a change when he dons a shirt for one of our infrequent date nights or, more often these days, a family meal with Caitlin and Ieuan.

I think shirts do tend to get overlooked in favour of polo shirts and tees for men at the weekend and in the evenings, but a well cut and laundered shirt can make an outfit look more expensive and also have a slimming effect.

We were offered a shirt to try and the husband chose the Curtis White Slim Fit Shirt With Contrast Detail (£34.50).

Our shirt arrived immaculately packaged in a box bearing the brand's cool blue and grey corporate colours.


I liked that the collar came with a collar protector to keep its shape.



I loved the quirky red detail - little flashes of colour around the neck and the cuffs. Ties aren't worn quite so much these days in meetings so it's a great way of adding some extra interest to a suit and making it look a little younger and fresher.
 

We found the shirt to be true to size with enough room under the arms and with sufficient length in both the arms and the body. Comfort is really important when your working day is as long as Mat's tend to be.

And the shirt works just as well when worn casually.  Caitlin and Ieuan promised faithfully not to approach it with their chocolate ice-cream!

Time to start experimenting with the Husband's other shirts, although there are some pretty funky designs on the Hawes & Curtis website.  I think my chances of getting Mat in anything floral are a bit slim though.  I might have a look for myself.

You can buy Hawes & Curtis shirts separately at a very reasonable price or save even more if you buy 4 for £100 - the retail offer which most of the menswear stores seem to offer. The shirt we chose costs £34.50 when bought singly or £25 as part of the offer.

For more information visit Hawes & Curtis online or you can find a list of their stores here.


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Friday 29 July 2016

Back To School Through The Decades With M&S

Back to school week used to be a magical time when I was growing up. I was born in 1964 so my formative school years were in the 70’s and early 80’s through Harold Wilson’s Labour Government and the Miners’ Strike and Thatcher’s Britain from 1979 onwards. And yes, I can remember the long hot summer of 1976!

Can you tell my mum cut my fringe?  Me circa 1974
In my Primary years, we still had morning milk in bottles with silver foil caps and a tuck shop which sold Wagon Wheels which were the size of your head and Crème Eggs that took more than 3 bites to eat them. Crisps used to cost 2d. Yes I am that old, although I have now recovered from decimalisation. I still prefer my temperatures in Fahrenheit though.

Later, my sister and I attended our local comprehensive, St. Cyres, in Penarth and had to wear a school uniform comprising a pleated skirt, white blouse, black jumper and a black and white school tie. In those days school uniform was stocked in one or two local shops and you had to get in quick or there was nothing left.

Hard at work!
The uniform seemed to be stocked in two sizes – either Harry Potter size or Hagrid Rubeus size and was made in material so warm and heavy you could probably survive a week in an Everest base camp wearing it.

Nope - still can't sight read!
Our school shoes had to have heels no more than 2.5 inches high and if your hair touched your shirt collar, you had to wear it up – including the boys. Our headmistress was an absolute stickler for rules and would carry a tape measure to check your heel height. If you failed the test you were sent home. No ifs, no buts. And you could forget jewellery (other than plain gold studs or hoops) or make-up. I suspect if our headmistress had seen a tattoo she would have had a fit of the vapours.

Mum is still cutting my fringe circa 1981
Then there was the excitement of buying a new pencil case and one of those Helix Mathematical Kits which contained a compass and a protractor. In those days, pencils could be bought actually sharpened – there wasn’t so much concern about health and safety then.

The first week of term would see the giving out of fresh new writing books and text books which we would be instructed to go home and cover in sticky backed plastic (much loved from watching Blue Peter).

Everything was new and as fresh as the crisp autumnal air. We’d wear our new school winter coats even in the Indian Summer, cooking nicely on the school bus.

Now, 30 years on and Caitlin and Ieuan are experiencing both the joy of the long summer holiday and the excitement of returning to start a new school year and ‘back to school’ seems to have become a major event.

If you ask any of the already frazzled parents trying to entertain their brood with activities not involving Pokemon, or an ‘I’ anything, this can only be a good thing.

For a start, high quality school uniform is readily available and comes in sizes to fit every child and you can even still buy Helix Mathematical sets. There are backpacks rather than the old fashioned satchels and more coloured and scented stationery than you can woggle a ruler at.

I think it’s a good thing to encourage kids to be excited about going back to school. It is, after all, where they will spend a sizeable percentage of their time and it makes sense to get them into a mindset of looking forward to learning.


This summer, M&S will be celebrating over a century of helping parents get their kids ready to go back to school so to give Caitlin and Ieuan an idea of what school was like way back then, we took them to the St. Fagans National History Museum just outside Cardiff to see Maestir School which is set up as it was in 1900.

Incidentally the National History Museum at St. Fagans is well worth a visit and features many historic buildings painstakingly resurrected for the public to learn about many aspects of Welsh life through the decades.

Maestir School was a small country school built in 1880 which had just one classroom. It was built from shale-stone taken from the local quarries and had a slate roof using slate from North Wales. The yard at the back was segregated to keep boys and girls apart.

Pupils of all ages – from 5 to 14 – would have been taught in the same classroom and there are desks in a variety of sizes to accommodate them. A far cry from the classroom set up we have today, although I can remember wooden, lidded desks in the early days at comprehensive. I think some of them are still there, together with the graffiti and chewing gum that was stuck underneath to hide it from the teacher.


Caitlin is about to start Year 4 and Ieuan Year 3 and they are both ready for the challenge. Young minds need feeding and near-constant stimulation.


Anything we can do to help create the best learning environment and to get the kids into the right mind-set is well worth the investment in my (text) book.


But you know things haven't changed that much since my sister and I walked to school.  There may be more traffic on the roads and more technology to grapple with but our kids are learning broadly what we did and, hopefully, having just as much fun.

You can share your school memories with M&S on social media using #MySchoolYears.  Bet you didn't have a fringe as good as mine!

*School uniform courtesy of M&S.

Caitlin wears:-

Girls embroidered pinafore in grey - £12 (T761728) 
Girls cotton rich cardigan in navy - £10 (T761339)
Quilted belted coat navy - £27 (T747431J)

Ieuan wears:-

Boys Plus Fit Pleat Front Adjustable Waist Supercrease Trousers in grey - £10 (T764628P)
Outstanding value unisex pure cotton jumper in navy - £7 (T763908) 
Padded parka in black  - £35 (T879299Y)

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Thursday 28 July 2016

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider A Custom Made Dress

This summer the stores are awash with a huge number of dresses and there is something for every budget but if you are looking for a really unique dress, why not consider having one made - or, if you are gifted with a sewing machine, making one yourself?



Here are 5 great reasons to create your own dress

1.  Fit

Nothing fits like a custom made dress.  I remember the joy of having my wedding dress fitted to every curve. There is such a variation between dress sizes in the major UK retailers that the perfect size in, say, Wallis, won't be the same in Zara.  I find Wallis clothing cut on the larger side and Zara cut on the smaller!  No such problems with a made-to-measure dress which can be nipped and tucked around the waist or adapted to cope with those areas where we girls carry a little extra sometimes - hips, tum, thighs and bottom.

These days it truly does not matter what size we are but it does matter that our clothes fit.  Kim Kardashian is a brilliant example of this.  

2. Comfort

The other huge benefit of getting your clothes tailored to fit is that they are simply more comfortable to wear. I have tried numerous support garments and most of them have been so uncomfortable I couldn't wait to get rid of them.  Many celebs, of course, rely on their Spanx control pants to hold everything in place and many UK retailers offer their own ranges of shapewear.  Incidentally, I am still looking for a strapless bra that stays up and gives sufficient support so if you have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments!

Credit: Leopold Terence
3. Fabric

When the latest collections hit the shops not only will you find similar styles but also broadly the same fabrics.  Lace and Denim have both been huge this summer and these fabrics have been everywhere.  And it looks like the popularity of lace will continue into AW17.

But what if you love the dress but hate the fabric?  There's no reason why you couldn't have the dress made in the fabric you love, perhaps in something cool and silky, like satin.

4. Uniqueness

Of course one of the major benefits of having a made-to-measure dress is that you can create something truly unique.  There is nothing worse than attending a posh do to find someone is wearing exactly the same dress as you - especially if they look better wearing it!

With a custom made dress you can add your own embellishments, bows, buckles, buttons, jewels, the works.  You can also adapt the length to the one that suits you best.  For example the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate always wears her skirts and dresses just below the knee so that she looks appropriate but not frumpy.

Having a unique dress is a real asset when you attend a prom or graduation ceremony. Or how about when you are the Mother of the Bride.  Of course wedding dresses tend to be unique or at least quite rare since they can be such a high cost purchase but having a civil wedding ceremony or perhaps being an older bride might lead you to source a custom-made dress which better reflects your personality and more mature style.

Credit:  Mitch
5. Cost

You might think have a made-to-measure dress is an expensive luxury but whilst you are unlikely to wear your wedding dress more than once, you may find your custom-made clothing is better value because it fits, is more comfortable and you will enjoy wearing it more.

I have several evening dresses in my wardrobe I haven't reworn, either because they are no longer in fashion or because they were uncomfortable to wear - slipping straps, hems that touch too long, a colour that just doesn't go with anything.  It's so easy to make a rush purchase when that 'do' is a few days away.  I also find it difficult to find the right shoes and outer garment.

Having a custom made dress makes you focus on these points before the cloth is cut and if you calculate the true cost of a garment on how many times you wear it, you'll find that, like me, you have some very expensive pieces already hanging unloved in your wardrobe!

There has been a definite resurgence in the popularity of sewing thanks to programmes like the BBC's "The Great British Sewing Bee" and my Facebook timeline is full of avid knitting and crochet fans.

My mum used to make summer dresses for my sister and I.  Perhaps it's worth giving a bit of home-couture a go!

Do you make your own clothes or have you ever had something special made just for you?  Let me know in the comments below.
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Monday 11 July 2016

Preparing For Your Daughter's Prom

I'm sure you've seen photos and Facebook statuses of beautifully dressed teenagers attending their prom recently. I know my niece, Georgia, looked gorgeous. If it's your daughter's turn next year, here's how you can help her to prepare for her milestone event now.


As parents we understand that our daughters like to have a say in their life decisions! From the time when she ate her first candy floss, to the time she learned to park the car, the bond between you has only grown stronger over the years. It's great to have those special times when you can grow even closer to your children, and prom time is surely one of those. Your daughter will be nervous, excited and will also want your help to make this moment a special one. You can help her by starting to plan as early as possible to give you both all the time you need to prepare and budget.

Spring next year will herald the arrival of prom time in high school. She will soon enter into the world of 'grown-ups’. She will soon take her first step towards adulthood. So, what should you do to make her at ease? How should you help her? Will she need your assistance or not? Well, the answer is yes for, apart from calming her and giving her confidence that she will look beautiful during her prom, you should also help her to choose the best on-trend dress to suit her figure.

Finding the right dress is crucial as it is an integral part of your daughter’s prom experience and it's something you can do together. Last minute shopping is never advised as your daughter will need plenty of time to select her special gown. Your daughter will love it if you can help her to select from the stylish collection of 2016 prom dresses. Give her advice while she’s checking some dresses; make sure she is confident that the dress fits perfectly too.

You could also check the latest trends and also what the celebrities wore at the red carpet. Ask about your daughter’s preferences and advise her on dresses based on her body type. Don’t forget to ask about their school’s prom dress code, too. Is there a theme? Does she want a royal, a mermaid or a princess look? Select a dress based on her preferred color; maybe she wants to wear her favorite aqua, coral or ivory. Also ask whether she wants to wear a gown, two-piece dress or perhaps a ball gown.

Before you choose any dress, check relevant social media pages and read reviews about prom dress stores. You can check out Prom Dress Shop to view their collection and read tips and reviews when you visit their Facebook page.

Here are other items to keep in your checklist:

• Accessories: Choose accessories that complement with her dress
• Shoes: Should be comfortable and must go well with her dress
• Hairdo: Check whether she will require a professional to do her hairdo
• Nails: Manicure and Pedicure
• Gloves
• Intimates
• Purse
• Boutonniere
• Essential makeup products

Whether you are looking for Sherry Hill or Jovani dresses, you will get all major designer dresses at PromDressshop.com. You will also find all your queries answered in their FAQ’s section.

A prom holds a special place in a family's memories. It is a moment where beauty, anxiety and confidence are felt all at once in your daughter’s life. She should feel flawless, gorgeous and confident after the hard work she has done to make her prom the best time of her life.

Make sure you take care of this moment and cherish it with her. By supporting her and sharing your views from your own experience of approaching womanhood, she will understand that you are as excited as she is for her and her new life.
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Friday 3 June 2016

Affordable Summer Style From JD Williams

JD Williams is a brand I have come to know through its advertising campaign featuring Lorraine Kelly. Lorraine has become a fabulous ambassador for women in my age group (50+) and I love her positive energy and refusal to be pigeon holed as any kind of frump just because she's the other side of 50.

It's great these days to see a vanguard of sassy older women who are making the Fashion Industry sit up and take notice - I often cite Dame Helen Mirren as one of my favourites but there's also Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon, Diane Keaton, Michelle Obama, Christie Brinkley and Jane Seymour - to name but a few.  In fact I can't remember a time when the sexiness of the over 50 woman was celebrated with so much fervour.

It's even better to see that brands are joining in this positive movement to celebrate those of us who are no longer ingenues but who are in many cases absolute power houses of energy, confidence and knowledge. We are also the ones with the most disposable income so we are certainly worth listening to!

JD Williams is certainly one of these brands and I was recently invited to try one of their maxi dresses (you know me, just can't resist a maxi dress).  I was keen to see if they lived up to their reputation as a brand that has risen from out of the ether to be a major online shopping destination.

I was sent the Waterfall Bead Neck Maxi dress - £50 in a cobalt blue (it also comes in cerise) to try and when I tried it on it reminded me of the good old days of Marks & Spencer when the quality was always there and could be relied on consistently.


The dress, a size 12, was a perfect fit and was lined.  The embellished collar contained beading that was securely sewn on (nothing worse than beading where one or two have come loose and spoil the entire effect) and the length of the dress was just right - skimming the ground without trailing on the floor.


This meant that it could be worn with flat shoes rather than having to find some vertiginous strappy sandals which, these days would mean the Husband having to escort me down the drive in case I take a tumble.

JD Williams has a wide variety of maxi dresses and there are a number of differing brands under its main brand umbrella spanning not only fashion (Simply Be, Joe Browns, Lorraine Kelly) but home & garden (Silentnight, Denby, Yankee Candle) and electricals (Vax, Panasonic, Samsung).

I particularly love this Palm Print Lace-Up Back Column Maxi (£35), available in sizes 10 - 32.

Palm Print Maxi
or how about this one - the Joanna Hope Print Jersey Maxi Dress - £55.

Joanne Hope Print Maxi Dress

I'd also like to try this one from Lorraine's own range - the Lorraine Kelly Floral Scuba Midi Dress - £50.

Lorraine Kelly Floral Scuba Midi Dress
JD Williams offer free next day delivery and a personal account where you can spread the cost of your purchases and at the moment there's 30% off over 200 dresses.  Definitely worth a look.

This is one instance where the advertising promises definitely deliver and I'm really looking forward to their AW16 collection.

*I was gifted the Waterfall Maxi Dress for the purposes of this review.
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Monday 30 May 2016

Hot Summer Trends To Update Your Wardrobe At Debenhams

As the temperature continues to rise, we get closer to being able to wear all the amazing summer trends that were featured during Fashion Week. But with so many fabulous styles to choose from, you may find it difficult to narrow down which ones are must-haves.

Here's a list of the hottest summer trends that you need a part of your wardrobe.

1. Backless Dresses

Whether we're talking about a dramatic evening look or a flouncy day dress going back this will be one of the largest trends of the season. Pair this look with strappy sandals a statement clutch for a chic and flirty look.

2. Crop Tops

Lipsy Tribal Embellished Crop Top - £29.40
Whether you pair them with your favorite ripped jeans or a matching full-length maxi skirt, crop tops can add a touch of sexiness to any outfit.

3. Embellished or print shorts

4. Hexagonal or round sunglasses

5. Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses


Oasis Ruffle One Shoulder Dress - £48

6. Tote bags with statement prints

Whether you're looking to pack up your stuff for the beach or use it as a trendy Shopper tote bags with statement prints are an easy way to add some flair to your style.

7. Ruffle dresses

Whether the ruffle is used to embellish the hemline, sleeves or the top you can't go wrong with this fun and feminine summer trend.

8. Leather skirts

Nine By Savannah Miller Black Leather Skirt - £35


9. Slip dresses

Whether you wear them, it's a flouncy cocktail dress or pair them with a casual tee to create a laid back 90s looks adding a slip dress to your wardrobe is a great way to update your style this season.

10. Chunky Heel Sandals

Head Over Heels By Dune Chunky Brown Platform Sandal - £33
This trend looks great whether you pair it with a casual Jersey dress or a tailored work suit. The versatility of chunky heeled sandals makes them a must-have summer item.

11. Heirloom jewelry

12. Coral colored clothing

Jessica Wright Coral Aurora High Neck Plunge Bodycon Dress - £58.50
13. Keyhole lace dresses

14. Loose fit maxi dresses

Maxi dresses are forever on trend but by embracing a looser, more Bohemian look for summer, you'll be able to breathe new life into this old style.

15. Teal color clothing 


Little Mistress Teal Lace Bandeau Prom Dress - £51
Now that you know some of this summer’s hottest Trends be sure to update your style accordingly. And to pick up all of these styles and much more be sure visit the Groupon discount code page for Debenhams.
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