I Don't Speak French

But if I did, I'm sure I'd still be rambling rubbish. Learning another language is yet another thing I have failed to tick off my 'before I'm 30' list. Now that January is first approaching and the big 3-0 is mere weeks a way, I can't help but think who needs a bloody list anyway! I mean what does it matter what stupid tasks I've failed at, so what if I've never jumped from a plane or done some awful stereotypical thing you are suppose to do. I know I can't be the only one who feels this way, so I say instead of a rubbish list of things you feel you have to do. Make a list of things you have done, things that you feel happy, silly, proud of or just forget the list and live the way you want. 

Not just if your turning thirty, but just to say bye 2012 and to the past you. To make 2013 a whole new 'where do I go from here', the big no no is to compare yourself to someone else and feel you are missing out, not getting it right. This isn't monopoly, sadly you won't get £200 pounds for passing GO. Instead if your lucky you will celebrate another year of life, I never use to like birthdays, but life is too short not too. I'm delighted to be here I have my health, my family and friends and feel that 30 is my year. To just enjoy and leave my doubt, worry, insecure self and embrace the strong woman I have became eye bags and all!

Jacket: River Island*

Top: Vintage via charity shop

Skirt: New Look*

Cross Belt: ASOS
Boots: eBay

Neon Necklace: New Look*

I hope you all have a very Happy New Year, I won't be going out partying. I guess maybe I am getting on, me and Baz are going to get the kids in bed early (as they should as they are 3 years old and 11 months) and watch a movie. When we were in are early 20's we use to go to the noodle bar, and come and watch films anyway! I can't stand the getting home part, as we live in London and everyone and there cat seem to be out for New Years. It's too cold, and frankly I'm too lazy to be on London transport with the drunks and people shouting on their phones 'Happy New *hick ..New, New Year, I love you'.

A massive THANK YOU for your comments and support this year, you lot rock. Happy new year and lets hope 2013, will be a better year for us all. Here are the two giveaway winners of the O2 giveaway I hosted, well done my dears and fear not I will have another giveaway in the new year :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Happy New Year With Clarks

As 2012 draws to an end, it can only mean one thing New years! How to start your New Year on the right foot, with a nice pair of shoes on your feet for a start. I really never NEED a reason to buy shoes, I'm pretty much like Jen from IT crowd were I will cripple my feet to wear ones I love. If you don't fancy the idea of moulding your feet into unnatural shapes, I suggest you check out Clarks shoes. 

Clarks have kept their sensible side but have upped their stylish savvy, even collaborating with Mary Portas for their A/W collection. I really adore the 'Azizi Ivory' shoes, they have a wonderful vintage vibe and if your going for a glamorous yet unstated look these are a must. If you prefer your feet firmly on the ground, than 'Card game' have a beautiful bronze leather finish that may still keep you feeling dapper. Also they have a sale on with up to 50% off on ladies shoes at Clarks, which is welcomed after Christmas.

I adore these 'cloudy skies' block heels, they are a grow up bright and just scream 'party at my feet'. I would wear these more dressed down with jeans and a tee. For a cool relaxed way to bring in the New Year. If your over A/W and just want it to be S/S already, Clarks are already starting to realise their new collection slowly so you can always start planning your Summer look.

This is a sponsored post, but views and content are my own I tell's it like I see's it

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Y-O Your Own & DeadMau5 Collaboration

I'm always looking to share interesting brands with you and Your Own fills the bill, it's a clothing label that is taking the club scene by storm. Club wear use to be really naff, and to be honest you would have to be in a dark, dark club to want to wear it. Y-O (Your Own) is changing this. Y-O decided to collaboration with you guessed it deadmau5, possible thee coolest mouse ever... Move over Micky you have had your day! They create a range of exclusive T-shirts that are only available through official outlets and all graphics have been given the mau5 approval. They also have a collaboration with Cream Ibiza, creating styles for both men and woman. I picked my favourite to show you from both collections.

Y-O [Your Own] was born in 2009, a group of tuned in entrepreneurs tired of having their identity ripped off by a multitude of other brands forever trying to imitate their history and heritage. Bitter but not twisted they were ready to set the world on fire. Three months in Y-O made a short film to be used as the video for the Deadmau5 and Kaskade's 'I remember', making it the first fashion company to produce a music video. 'I Remember' went on to reach number 1 in America and be nominated for a variety of awards. 

Following the success of the video came a vast amount of interest from independent US stores enabling Your Own to open a range of pop up shops across Japan and America, establishing a unique brand identity and becoming an underground institution with a cult celebrity following. I think this is a cool brand and I love that they are trying different things, fashion and music go hand in hand. The pieces in the collection are not 'mad'  or covered in the typical day glow either, so even if your not a club monster you could wear these in your day to day outfits.

The Y-O Way

Sick of the same old replication the fashion industry churns out we've chosen to be unique, individual and fresh in a commercial world that's drowning in the same old vibes. We pride ourselves on quality connections, a unique style and unrivaled authenticity. If you like us, like us. If you don't, well don't. This is a brand comprised of real people with real attitudes and, above all, real connections. 


This is a sponsored post, but views and content are my own I tell's it like I see's it.

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How I wear: A Pencil Skirt & Studded Boots

I have a love hate relationship with pencil skirts, sometimes I feel good in them and other times they make me think 'why did I buy this'. So to be honest when I won this off eBay I did think 'what did I just do'  , not only is this a long pencil skirt it's a checked pencil skirt! There's a fine line between femme fatale and miss maple, but I hate buying things and never wearing them. I feel like if I can even make it work once, I'm pushing myself out of my fashion safety zone (not that I really have one, I always look like I fell out of a jumble sell). It turns out that Miss Maple just had the wrong shoes poor dear, she should have been rocking a pair of studded boots.

I don't even care that I can't walk miles in these, these boots are beyond fab! I feel like making a massive shoe shrine with these in the middle ' Come, gather round and see the shoes'.... Yes, I'm shoe mad. No, I don't care I'd own all the shoes if I could- Not crocs NEVER crocs.

Faux fur collar: H&M

Necklace: eBay

Sunglasses: TOMS*

Top and Belt: Charity shop

Skirt: Primark via eBay

Ring: Superdrug

Boots: Spy Love Buy *

Sorry for the over posing, Barry (my bloke) used his fancy pants camera, so I decided to give that lens a show. Believe me in at less 60% of the photos I looked like I had glued my eyes together, and dancing robot style. I think I was just exciting that I could wear my  TOMS sunglasses, and thought they somehow transformed me into a model. Sadly not but  I do love these shades, and can't wait to wear they all s/s. Regards the skirt I think I will be wearing it again, I'm not sure how I will style it next but it's growing on me. I think my £3 charity shop belt, suits it perfectly too.

Do you like pencil skirts? How do you wear yours?

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From Day to Night Party Dresses - With Monsoon

For most of you, getting ready for your Christmas party is not a glamorous take your time affair. It's much more of a squeeze into the toilets, try not to ladder your tights and check there's no loo roll on your shoe as you leave! To give yourself extra time to spend on the little details, 'Is that lipstick on my teeth?' Monsoon have some great party dresses, that you can wear from day to night. The tricky is to just check up your accessorise, go for a cute clutch and a statement belt like a studded one or necklace. Don't be afraid to brave a flat, heels are great but if you have work the next day a cute flat or ankle boot is the sensible option. 

The ballerina heel is great for giving you a little height, but won't leave you hobbling along the next day. Monsoon have a great range of dresses, I've put together a style that will please almost everyone. The printed dress is perfect for those that like colour,  but want to keep it formal. The little black dress is great for those who like to keep it simple, to make it a little quirky these cute cat flats are to cute. And if your like me, the bright dress is all about colour and sparkle throw in some print too- You can't beat classic leopard print.

All other items are from Accessorize 

This is a sponsored post, but views and content are my own I tell's it like I see's it.

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Getting Festive With Miss Rebel

As Christmas is about giving it doesn't really leave you with a lot of money to treat yourself, thankfully Miss Rebel have it covered. It has a heap of bargains to be had. I love their knitwear like this bow jumper is so girly and cute, and this blue aztec cardigan will take you into summer (Aztec it's going to be a massive trend again but with more of a cowboy feel for S/S 2013). I thought I would put together some perfect winter looks, so you can see that you can buy a whole outfit on a budget. 

My favourite look is 'All Wrapped Up' I've really got into hats this season, and the 90's fluffy jumper is so me. Saying that 'Check mate' has a fab 60's kinda vibe and I love a chunky knit cardigan. I think 'Glam in grey' has a bit of a punk 80's vibe. The spike jumper over the maxi is great for a night out look, layering is a sure way to stay warm and can give more shape than just wearing a massive jacket or coat. They have a under £5 section which is a life saver, if your funds are really limited too.  

Miss Rebel also has a massive range of party dresses, so if you prefer some stud detail or your more of a sequin gal than there's a dress for you and all under £25.00! I adore this skull midi dress, you know how much I love skulls! They also delivery outside of the U.K.

This is a sponsored post, but views and content are my own I tell's it like I see's it.

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She Wore Blue Velvet

So this is a cheeky outfit from last week, as I've been posting about other things I couldn't share it. I'm not a massive fan of velvet, but this year I've gone all Shakespeare's sister - if you don't remember them check here for the love of music! Velvet was huge when I was younger, all the cool girls wore it so I guess it reminds me of being a geek. When I saw these blue crush velvet legging at the Pitsea Tesco store, I grabbed them like a One Direction fan would pin Harry to the ground! 

Yes blue is a bit of an odd choice, but there was no black version so I thought just go for it. I do look a tad weird sitting down rubbing my legs, but velvet has this effect on me. They are perfect to throw on at ridiculously  o'clock when I have to drop Corben (my boy) off at nursery. I am slightly afraid of camel toe (girls worst fear), so the more over sized a top is it's being wore with these blue beauties.

Coat & Cardigan: Primark

Fur collar: H&M

Top & Boots: Primark

Leggings: F&F*

Necklace: Gift from Barry

Barry got me this 'C' necklace and I've wore it non stop, it's so me and was a really nice surprise. I'm getting to the stage were I have every ones Christmas presents, and now I just want everyone to open them! I know it's bad but I just want it over with now. Everyone gets psychotic at this time of year, fighting over the last bit of broccoli. I think if everyone remember that it's just a couple of days, and not a bloody year that they need food for it will be ace. 

Oh yeah before I forget, Motel has a secret sale for you lot. Their sale doesn’t start until next week, but they have given me a cheeky link and a code for 50% off it all right now! Use The code XMASPREVIEW50 at the checkout, you can take 50% off them all! They also have FREE Next Day UK delivery too – even delivering on Saturday - and free USA delivery always.

Are you looking forward to Christmas being over? what do you think of velvet?

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Swimwear365 Google Plus Hangout

When I got an email from Swimwear 365 about their Google plus hangout, I was excited but at the same time thought ' what if I can't get it to work'. Thankful it's actual really easy so if your planning on hosting one or joining one, you don't have to be a computer genius. I really enjoyed chatting with Helen (who's a fashion stylist and TV presenter), Charlotte and the other blog ladies. It was great to hear I'm not the only one, who is a little lost in the many styles swimwear now comes in. I think we all picked up some great tips for our different body shapes, and there are heaps of tips for you lot to find your perfect style. The other bonus of the hangout was that I was at home with baby Logan, (you can see the top of his head in the photo below) I think more brands should hold them.

After talking with Helen and looking at the huge choice for my pear shape, I went for the Lascana red polka dot swimsuit as we talked about in the chat it's gathered in the tummy area. This is a must for me, after having two boys my tummy always bloats. The halter neck brings more attention to my shoulders, and balances my hips out. I love the colour, as I'm a huge fan of vintage styles.There are style for every shape, so if your lucky enough to be escaping the cold or you live in a warm place check them out. 

I often forget that you lovely lot live all over, and a lot of you have the sun and beaches to go hang out on (damn you). It must seem odd seeing all us U.K lot moaning about the cold, and even wearing thin jumpers in summer. I think having lovely swimsuits, makes me more focused on going away somewhere and taking the boys swimming. Plus because it has shape wear inside, I don't have to do a crazy work out I can just fake a flat tummy inside.

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Christmas Giveaway with O2- Plus Cat's & Cute Things

You may have read my post about O2 priority moment's, and how O2 are working to help local independent business by helping their customers find them easily. This is just another great idea from O2, and why I like being with their network. The local shop I adore in my local area is Bermondsey Fayre, so O2 kindly offered to give my readers the chance to win 1 of 2 prizes from the shop! To be honest I was tempted to keep it all myself, but you lot are so supportive that I'm happy that two of you will enjoy these stunning handmade items. The cats both come with a little story about who they are, I also know how much you all love a quirky brooch so these moustache and bourbon ones were a must. 
So here is a Christmas giveaway c/o of the wonderful folks at O2! Thanks O2 x

A, B

All items are from the Bermondsey Fayre

Prize A: Red Sailor Jerry cat, two Christmas tree decorations, Anchor purse, moustache brooch and Om incenses sticks. - Everything is handmade   
Prize B: Blue Mrs Tibbins cat, Heart purse, bourbon brooch, green button notebook and Prem incense sticks. - Everything is handmade


a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Winners will be chosen at random, but please leave your preferred prize (A OR B) and if your picked first you will receive your choice. This is open to everyone (world wide). You must follow via GFC, you don't have to have a blog to join. This giveaway will close on the 20th at 12.00pm GBM, so leave your email so I can contact you and send you your prize ASAP. If you do not response within 5 days of the email, another winner will be chosen. All prizes c/o O2

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Next Lock In

A while ago Next decided to mix it up a little, and hold a fashion lock in! Bloggers were treated to cocktails and burgers before hand, which let everyone chat and get to know each other if they didn't already.When we arrived at their Bond street store there was a red carpet to great use, was tempted to strut in. They asked bloggers to look around at the new collection with more champs in hand, and handed us tags to label our favourite pieces from their current collection. The pieces would than go into a special hand picked bloggers collection. So I was really chuffed that they asked me, as I'm not really a 'fashion' blogger so it felt nice to be included. 

Coat: Next *

Dress: River Island via ASOS

Boots: Primark

Necklace: Maggie Angus *

Cat hat: Topshop

So with tags in hand, it was near impossible to choose. I've always thought of Next as more workwear, but the more I see of their new collection. The more I feel they have taken it to the next level, they have a very classic style but lately it has more of a trendy vibe. With some stunning chunky knits and killer studded wedge boots, I feel that Next is stepping outside it's own comfort zone and going from strength to strength.

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How I Wear: A Maxi Skirt ( For Shorter Girls)

Being vertically challenged the fear us short girls have for maxi skirts, is more than you may think. It's not the case of 'will I look like I'm wearing a table cloth', it's more 'will I trip and kill myself on the bottom of it'. I mean I'm not even that short at 5'5, there are lovely ladies far shorter than me who want to rock this trend but also have the fear. I'm not saying it's all fun and games for taller girls, I have seen the too short on the arm/leg situation.

Cardigan: New Look (kids section)*

Shirt: Primark via charity shop

Necklace: New Look*

Skirt: eBay (here)

Shoes: OASAP*

Bag: Matalan (coming soon)*

Ring: eBay

I just wish there was more selection for both of us, anyway enough of my moan. I decided to brave it, and got this one off eBay. Thank to my flatforms, I'm actually in love. Short ladies fear not, when your maxi is maxing out just platform it up even with my bloated tummy I will wear this again and again - I want the other colours now. Just remember to belt at the waist, I just tied my shirt this way you keep your proportions and it stops the 'I have a sack on' look.

So I'm living in flatforms and boots in general, I want to wear my heels but I seem to be rushing round everywhere lately so it's on with the sensible shoes. Still my love for these boots continues, I love how they can make thee girls of things look grunge. I'm all about the grunge! I love this New Look cardigan, and how lush is this necklace! I have been finding all kinds of hidden gems in there and snapped up a pair of shoes for about £7 the other day. I was lucky enough to see their S/S collection for 2013, and was crying that I had to leave it all there. Once I post about it, you will be crying for Summer too! In the mean time New Look are running a comp for blogger to win 1 of 5 £100 vouchers , all you have to do is put together a Christmas party look! Easy.

Let me know your tips for wearing a maxi skirt.....

5

Joules Wellies- Splash In Style

As much as I enjoy layering up jumpers and coats, there are down sides to winter. The down usually lays at my feet, the first sign of rain or snow and what will I be wearing..... Ballet pumps or glittery ankle boots! Not practical at all I know, but when I think of wellies I think of uninspiring and dull green gardening. Joules is utterly smashing my idea of women's wellies, these are just a snippet of their massive (and gorgeous) range. 

Joules have really thought about what women like, so if you like your animal print they have these amazing fox print pair. They also a huge range of prints and patterns, they also have wellibobs which are like ankle boots, so that every outdoor adventure (no matter how big or small!) can be enjoyed in style. Yes ladies, you can now relax in knowing that, what every your style they have a wellie for you. My personal favourites are these Navy floral beauties, I think they are just so pretty and I'd gladly what to splash in puddles/mud! 

This is a sponsored post, but views and content are my own I tell's it like I see's it.

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Bertie Bloggers Night

To say I love shoes is putting it lightly, to me shoes are an escape. Escape from the boring, shoes can make or break your outfit. When I'm having a rubbish day, I'll grab my 'party' shoes I don't believe in saving shoes for anything you should enjoy them. They don't have to be heels for me, they just have to have a cool detail or print and glitter is always good. So when the folks at Bertie invited me to their bloggers party, I felt like I was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz! I didn't exactly click my heels to get there, but after a bus and tube ride I was in Oz for sure.

Amy holding the prang boot, and me with the Neras glitter boot

The Bertie store is in South Molten street (London), and has a bit of a retro feel. My eye's were popping at all the new season autumn winter collection, with a style for every girl and guy. Me and Amy instantly started checking out shoes and grabbed some boots to try on, those insanely detailed prang boots were very popular amongst us girls. My magpie eye couldn't help but draw me to all the sparkle, glitter boots the heel on these bad boys is perfect too. I can't deal with trying to walk on my toes unless it's for a night out, I'd much rather have a lower heel for day to day wear. 

Ellie, Stuart, Amy & Becky

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