The Dog Days Are Over

Joules Breton Stripe Top: Joules c/o surfdome.com*
Blue Statement Necklace: Zara
Fluffy Grey Beanie: ASOS
Leather Look Skinny Jeans: River Island
Willow Bag: Mulberry
Rose Gold Slipper Shoes: Sam Edelman
Coral Coat: Reiss
Michael Kors Watch

With the sun finally showing it's face around town life has felt a little bit brighter, just what is it about those rays of sunshine that effortlessly manage to lift your mood ten fold? Yesterday was a good egg all round as I made a quick road trip to Leeds with my soon-to-be-married pal Claire for last minute honeymoon essentials (read half of River Island) while I picked up Alexa as she'd returned from a vacay (read rehab) at Mulberry HQ, let's just say her strap wasn't what it used to be. I had all the intentions of just picking up Alexa and taking a few bits back to Topshop but after I tripped into Whistles and River Island and a refund in Topshop turned into an exchange let's just say things got a little more spendy than planned, oops! In my defence I did spend the afternoon sorting through my wardrobe at my rents house (yes I still have clothes there, it's a problem) and managed to collate three bags for charity. That makes up for my money giving morning right?

My ensemble was one that was thrown together fairly snappily after having a 'everything looks terrible ten minutes', don't you hate those? In times of despair I find the easiest solution to prevent a fashion meltdown is to find that fail safe, never-lets-you-down item and fast, for me that's a breton striped tee. The one I'm sporting is a new wardrobe addition from the kind folk at Surfdome, this is my first foray into the world of Joules and I must say I'm impressed. The quality of this classic piece is fantastic and the cut is spot on too...I wonder if this comes in different colours? (You can find mine here). Teamed with another long standing go-to, my leather look skinny jeans I was running downstairs as fast as my achey gym legs would carry me, time keeping has never been my strong point. Final running-out-the-door additions include my blue statement necklace, fluffy London guard-esque beanie, Sam Edelman studded slipper shoes and last but by no means least Willow, 'cos she wanted to welcome Alexa with open arms.

Today Craig and I are having the pottering day to end all pottering days which is much needed after a couple of weekends of madness, I'm looking at you London Fashion Week. I'm hoping to finally put up my new swish rail so I can display all my Spring like faves which will not only be handy (and prevent fashion melt downs) but eliminate my current floordrobe. Wish me luck!

What pieces in your wardrobe are your fail safes that never let you down?

*This item was kindly sent to me by Surfdome.

Space NK & The Gift With Purchase

When I hear the words Space NK and gift with purchase in the same breathe my heart starts to beat that little bit faster and my bank balance inevitably starts to sweat, but for once it needn't worry - with a minimum spend of £75 (instead of the usual £150) and with a wish list collecting cyber dust in my Notes section of my iPhone a strike was inevitable.

The first item in my basket was an easy repurchase, the REN Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser is a product I'll forever have in my stash, it's that good and I got an extra 33% for exactly the same price as usual. What a win! My second add-to-bag came in the form of Kevyn Aucoins Celestial Powder, which I've eyed up for longer than I can remember. What finally pushed me over the edge? Using my friend Claires on her hen weekend that's what. Discovering cheek bones I never had before that weekend was something I refused to say goodbye to. Naughty Hannah, happy cheeks.

My last buys came in miniature form, one the Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment and the other a Rococo nail polish in the shade Wild Roses, well for £3 why ever not? My Kiehls addition wasn't so much of a whim purchase but a seriously thought out one, I'm quickly approaching my mid twenties (plus one) and feel an eye cream should be part of my routine. Have my bags disappeared? Not quite but things are feeling a whole lot hydrated.

Now for that thing they call gift with purchase, Space NK know how to pull it out of the bag with their freebies (pardon the pun) and teaming up with Sewlomax was a stroke of genius. I'm absolutely thrilled with this cutie of a make-up bag and can't wait to give these prods a trial.

Do you have a huge Space NK wish list? Do you get giddy at the words gift with purchase?

Backstage At London Fashion Scout

After hopping on an oh-em-gee-this-is-so-early-for-a-Saturday-morning train, having a it'd be rude not to look in Topshop on Oxford Street and popping over to that place they call Somerset House I was ready to meet team Body Shop for a backstage perusal of Fashion Scout. Stepping inside the decadent, art deco surrounding of Freemasons Hall is truly mesmerizing (have you seen those dreamy high paneled ceilings?) and that's before we even talk fashion. It didn't take long before I felt at ease in the beautiful space after such a warm welcome from team Body Shop and a few blogging babes including Fleur who were all lovely to spend time with in the Media Lounge. The Media Lounge was the place for sponsors to hang out in between shows with numerous power outlets (essential if you've got an iPhone) as well as refreshments and snacks from Vita Coco, Snog and Propercorn. 

Taking my seat for the first show I don't think I've ever felt so excited, the pre show buzz is just electric as everyone waits in anticipation, suddenly the hustle and bustle of the fashion pack dies down and the lights fall - then the music kicks in and all your senses are awakened to the beauty of fashion.

Zeynep Kartal was my first show and what a glamorous affair, if I was to ever get married isn't the dress above the most dreamy, princess like gown you've ever laid eyes on? Zeynep Kartals show really spoke to me with the contrast of such a simple make-up look and fresh, undone back combed hair paired with scattered sequin two pieces and gowns.

One of the most note worthy parts of the backstage experience was getting the low down on the make-up look for Belle Sauvage from The Body Shops head make-up artist Lan. Inspired by the 1940s, a doll like red lip was the focus with a strong winged liner and fresh highlighted skin to complete the look. I love how Lan made products multipurpose by using The Body Shop brow kit on both brows and as a natural contour shade while white eyeshadow was not only swept across the lid but used as a highlight. Big brows are still huge for the Autumn Winter season as Lan told us some of the models didn't want even the tiniest brow hair removing as they were trying to grow Cara-esqe face framers - I don't feel so bad about not making it to the threaders as often now.

Kiev Fashion Days was my second show which brings together several designers into one arena. Anna K (pictures 1-2) and Paskal (pictures 3-5) are two designers that couldn't be more diverse if they tried. Anna K showed easy to style and wearable pieces (a bit of a rarity at Fashion Week). I loved the cheeky slogans sported on some of her clothes and think Anna Ks aesthetic is very much the mood right now. 

Paskal on the other hand showed a smorgasbord of delicate shades and vibrant brights with geometric cut out details providing a rather unexpected sophisticated edge. The model sporting the ice cream mint shade makes me long to be a redhead, just how sensational is her hair?

My final show of the day was Belle Sauvage, think fierce and then some. The Belle Sauvage girls had bags of attitude, sported sleek hair with either fez hats or quilted hoods and rocked strong Versace inspired chain prints with lipsticks thrown in for good measure. Absolutely genius and easily the most cohesive show of the day.

Visiting London for Fashion Scout was everything (and more) than I could have ever of imagined and I cannot thank The Body Shop enough for having me along for the fashion ride of my life. Fashion Scout you've been awesome, here's to many more fashion weeks to come *raises Vita Coco Latte*.

What do you think of the make-up look created for Belle Sauvage? Which show do you like the look of?

Hello London Fashion Week

Black Beanie, Patterned Skort & Orange Bag: Topshop
Faux Fur Tippet & Grey Jumper: H&M
Coral Coat: Reiss
Blue Statement Necklace: Zara
Suede Ankle Boots: Marks and Spencer

If you have even a slight interest in fashion then chances are you've sat and dreamt about London Fashion Week - is it as busy and high fashion as the magazines says? Do people really sport those outlandish looks? Are the cobbles of Somerset House packed to the rafters with uber stylish folk? In a word? Yes! Yesterday was one of those surreal experiences that I'll not forget in a hurry - never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd venture to London and experience Fashion Week so I feel incredibly thankful to the babes at Body Shop who invited me to enjoy the backstage goings on at Fashion Scout, keep your eyes peeled for Tuesdays post for all the behind the scenes scoop.

Somerset House is just a short walk away from Freemasons Hall where the Fashion Scout shows take place so to get the true fashion week vibe I just had to go and soak up the atmosphere (read people watch). Soak up being the operative phrase as the heavens decided to open not long after I stepped on the infamous cobbles, oh Mother Nature you've been a cruel mistress of late. Thankfully the lovely Abi was close by to take these dreamy shots, can you move to Sheffield and be my permanent photographer please? Picking an ensemble for such an occasion was no mean feat but after a last minute Meadowhall dash I settled on a Topshop skirt (totally late to the party Hannah), a simple grey knit, my new fave statement necklace which I incidentally spotted in Grazia yesterday, a pair of are they, aren't they Isabel Marant style boots from Marks & Spencer of all places and finally a mini orange satchel bag which gives more than just a nod to Celine.

A Fashion Week post wouldn't be complete without a snap of the 'villains' from Made in Chelsea, Victoria was incredibly polite and more than happy to oblige for said shot, you'll never be Millie though V even though your boots are outstanding.

Have you ever fancied London Fashion Week? What do you reckon to my chosen look?

If you can't wait until Tuesday check out my Instagram for a few cheeky backstage shots.

Review: Radical Skincare Age Defying Exfoliating Pads

Radical Skincare found its way onto my radar after I spotted a hydrating cleanser from the brand on Annas  bathroom shelf - the simple almost clinical looking packaging had me at first glance and let's be honest a brand with the name Radical Skincare sounds like serious skincare business so I was thrilled to give the Age Defying Exfoliating Pads* a try. What's the story behind the brand? Team RS was founded by two American sisters, inspired to work in the skincare industry by their cosmetic surgeon father (I am all for a family business) the girls quickly began to develop products after battling their own skincare woes. 

The Age Defying Exfoliating Pads arrived on my doorstep in a lovely weighty silver tub which I must say has looked pretty fancy in my new bathroom. Packaging aside the pads are designed to reduce pore size and fine lines, remove excess sebum all while exfoliating away with AHAs and promoting cell turnover. AHAs have been a good friend of mine for a while, who wants to exfoliate with a harsh scrub when you can slough away skin cells with a gentler alternative? 

After testing these babies for the last couple of weeks (used after my evening cleanse in case you were wondering) I can report only positive findings - waking up the morning after the night before my skin feels softer and often clearer, than when I went to bed. Long time readers may know I've used the Cane & Austin Acne Pads before which are of a similar vein but concentrate on slaying acne instead. Comparing the two I'd say the Radical Skincare pads are much gentler on the skin and instead of stripping my visage they leave my face feeling plump and hydrated, almost like my skin has inhaled a pint of water whereas the Cane & Austin pads are astringent but will fight your acne.

If you fancy dipping your toe into the pre soaked AHA pad realm I wholly recommend Radical Skincares offering, with ingredients like chamomile and witch hazel you can feel confident your skin is being sympathetically buffed away. 60 pads in a space age tub will set you back £45 which may sound spendy but actually works at a rather cost effective 75p per pad, beauty maths at its best? I think so. Now I just need to decide what to try next...

*PR Sample, all thoughts my own.

New In: The Topshop Man Repellers

Jacques2 Double Buckle Shoes

Have you ever bought something only to see a look of 'what the devil are they' on your boyfriends face? It's rare that Craig ever has a bad word to say about my clothing choices (who'd of thought it?) but these shoes easily took the biscuit. At first I felt offended but after consulting many friends and my mum I took a yes you're staying stand and had an even bigger vote that it's normal for the opposite sex to not always enjoy our fashion purchases. 

I'll be completely honest, I had a similar reaction to the boyf when the personal shopper in Leeds showed these to me but I still thought I'd give them a whirl - partly for fear of upsetting anyone and partially for a laugh. As soon as I looked in the mirror with these buckle babes on I knew I'd have to devour a slice of humble pie, and fast. I love how these shoes take a look from girly to tough in under thirty seconds, all while adding a little bit of height to proceedings and being incredibly comfy to boot (see what I did there?) I can't wait to style these up with skinny jeans and a pretty flowy top or with a pencil skirt, frilly ankle socks and a sloppy sweater. 

Let's be frank, I'll always be that gal who dresses for myself and for other women. I'd much rather a fellow female say they love my get up than be wolf whistled at by a random man. Am I right?

Do you find yourself drawn to man repellers? How do you react to fashion negativity?

I Can't Speak French

Je Voudrais Jumper & Leopard Clutch: Whistles
Embellished Collar Shirt: H&M
Jamie Jeans: Topshop
Rose Gold Slipper Shoes: Sam Edelman
Coral Coat: Reiss

So I'll let my funky jumper do the talking... Tell me you like what I did there? Another week another poor show on Cagney and Lace but I promise it was worth it - one of my dearest friends had a hoot of a hen party in Edinburgh and I for one throughly enjoyed myself and even got a number of strangers to sing a rendition of Stop by The Spice Girls (you can tell I like my girl bands non?)

Something else I quite enjoy right now is Whistles, with Jane Shepherdson at the helm the brand is going from strength to oh my days and I can't help but join the party - this sweater screamed out my name in a fine Scottish dialect and I just couldn't resist plus anything to help me improve my language skills is always a winner. Keeping things the right side of Mean Girls I teamed this newb with another cheeky wardrobe addition, hello Jamie jeans - why the devil haven't I bought you before? These are seriously figure hugging, perfectly skinny and uber comfortable, snaps for you Topshop.

Pink is fast becoming my favourite shade, who'd of thought it? I've never been the girliest of girls but pastels are my go to palette right now so I'd of been crazy not to pick up a coral/pink cover up. At first I was debating a boyfriend style coat but after admiring Mels Reiss number for what felt like an age I decided to take the plunge, well who can blame me when it'd found it's way into the sale at half price? I think I'll be eating beans on toast for the rest of the month, oh dear - I promise I'll fork out for my roots though, boy they need doing.

Do you enjoy clothes that help you learn languages? Should pink just be saved for Wednesdays?

January Tales

Hello 2014 - Happy Birthday to my best friend - Time to give this a go - Little bit into my ASOS beanie - My new bathroom - ET Phone Home - Wednesday Wishlist purchase done - My go to blush palette - My new fave eye make-up remover? - Me, myself and I - Ta dah - So this happened - Pre petrol spillage selfie - Twinings are so on the money with their new green tea range - One giddy London kipper - Hello Fresh is the future

It came to me just today that my previous 'Looking Back At' series was ready for a little re-jig, they say variety is the spice of life and isn't Looking Back At a tad wordy? Without further a do I present to you January Tales - a little round up of what I got up to last month, don't forget you can follow me on Instagram here or by searching cagneyandlace.

So many people are thankful to see the back of January, sure it was a long time until pay day but personally I thought it flew by (here I go again with the blogger cliches!) The main thing which helped push January on? Having our bathroom done - the days seem to pass by so much quicker when your showering schedule becomes a military operation, trust me. One thing I loved about January was seeing Craig turn another year wiser older - I'm obsessed with birthdays and throughly enjoyed hanging up the bunting and hiding the biggest cake in town. The day was pretty low key as sadly the birthday boy had to work but we did chow down on huge burgers in the eve with one of our favourite couples. Other oh yeah moments in January include a shopping splurge in Leeds with my pal Gem, I promise you'll see the damage in a haul very soon and a whistle stop tour of London to see Book of Mormon again, it's too funny.

Obsessed With - A late entry to the favourites club this month has got to be the Hello Fresh delivery service. After a discount code dropped out of Elle magazine I decide to get on board and boy was I pleased, everything you need to cook healthy (and more importantly tasty) meals comes in a huge box with super easy to read recipe cards, and thirty minutes later it's on the table. If only all cooking could be so simple.

While I'm on the topic of food and beverages, if you love your herbal teas then keep your eyes peeled for Twinings new green tea fusion collection*. I could never stomach green tea until now, the one with gingerbread is my absolute fave closely followed by the salted caramel edition.

Lusting After - A new foundation/tinted moisturiser - who'd of thought I'd fall out of love with my Nars Sheer Glow and I've-had-several-bottles Hourglass Tinted Moisturiser? Right now my Revlon Nearly Naked foundation is ace of the base but I'm tempted to give Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua a go, thoughts?

Sharing The Love - On the YT front my two stand out videos had to be Pixi Woo's Body Talk with Katie Piper and Hannah Maggs Birthing Video. The chat with Katie Piper is just unreal and it's phenomenal how Katie has turned such a life changing experience into something so positive, for me this watch really puts things in perspective. 

Another inspiring lady is the lovely Hannah who I was a huge admirer of pre pregnancy, now I'm just the ultimate fan girl! To hear a woman speak so candidly about her pregnancy and have the guts to upload a birthing video is something else. Hearing Hannahs speak so candidly is beyond refreshing and I take my hat off to new mums everywhere - as rewarding as having a newborn is, it seems bloomin' hard work too!

Blog love has got to go to the Mel from MediaMarmalade, that gal deserves a medal for finding the time to blog everyday whilst working full time and having a life outside of blogging! Her style is very me and she's just shot a campaign for John Lewis, who wouldn't want to be team Marmalade?

What have you been up to this January? Do you have any foundation recommendations for me?

Don't forget to enter my thank you giveaway with Iconemesis here!

*PR Sample, all thoughts my own.

A Thank You Giveaway

As I've recently hit a huge three hundred followers on Bloglovin' I thought it was time to run a little thank you giveaway and who better to team up with than the lovely folk at Iconemesis. Whether little lapins or dashing dogs are your bag, those guys have got a iPhone case with your name on it and life's too short not to have a pretty iPhone case...am I right?

So now for the nitty gritty, all you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is scroll down to the Rafflecopter widget and let it do all the hard work for you. It's that simple.

The giveaway is open until Monday 10th February and the winner will be announced in this blog post and on Twitter. The winner will have 48 hours to get in touch or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to everyone so good luck and thank you again for supporting Cagney and Lace.

a Rafflecopter giveaway