Wednesday 29 April 2015

Parisian Spas

Ooooook so maybe I wasn't really in Paris, but one can dream! And I feel like I should be waltzing along the Seine in this outfit - but a spa day is definitely a close second!



You just can't go wrong with stripes can you! You may have noticed in my recent Shopping Edit that stripes are a bit of an obsession at the moment, to be honest when are they not. I just love how easy they are to wear, but also look really chic at the same time. I feel like I can pretend I'm an elegant French lady who lives on the coast and sails her yacht every weekend whilst sipping chilled rose - one can dream.

But, back to reality and this is just a basic long-sleeved breton striped top I picked up in New Look years ago. It's a wardrobe staple that I always find myself gravitating back towards.


The accessories in this outfit really made all the difference. The necklace was a borrowed gem from my little sister who's been staying with me for a while - it's great as I feel like my wardrobe has stretched a little as I rummage through her suitcase. It's a really pretty baby-blue design that falls like a chandelier and looks great with a simple top, such as this one.



Next up, the hat! I've not popped a little hat on my head in aaaaaages. But this one is perfect for a girlie day. In a dusty pink it adds some more colour to an otherwise blue outfit and again transports me from Glasgow to the chic streets of Paris.

I decided it was a day for new shoes - yaaaaa! I've not worn these since I snapped them up in Forever 21, but I love the colour and the new shape. So, maybe they left me with some nasty blisters, but new shoes need worn in right? They'll be fine next time and feel as pretty as they look?

We'd found a really good deal on 5pm for the spa at 200 SVS. In the Spa Day for 2 we were treated to a facial, massage, bubbly and afternoon tea each for the price of £115 - it's quite a bargain really when you break it down as £57.50 each.



The spa is so relaxing and as soon as you enter you feel like whispering so as not to disturb the peaceful surroundings. The whole ambience is very tranquil and it's like a secret little haven hidden away from the bustling streets outside.

We were treated to our massages and facials first - they were divine. I felt so relaxed after the massage and all my knots had been worked through. I love the feeling when you're so relaxed you're pretty much snoozing! The facial was fantastic as well, and my skin felt so much cleaner and fresher afterwards. They next day I really noticed how much smoother it felt as well.

Afterwards we reclined in the next door room, feeling delightfully relaxed and chatted over a glass of fizz.

Soon it was time to fill up on some tea, sandwiches and cakes and our afternoon tea arrived in our own 'private spa dining room'. We had wondered if the afternoon tea would be served in a restaurant elsewhere in the building - but it was really nice that it was served in a separate almost 'lounge area' of the spa, as it meant the whole tranquil vibe continued. We were the only people in this room and it felt like our own luxury spa getaway. We nibbled on tasty treats as the relaxing music continued to burble away in the background.


There was sandwiches, scones, macaroons, brownies and the most delicious lemon and cherry cake. Sometimes Afternoon Teas can be faaaaaaar too much and you end up feeling absolutely stuffed - as well as carrying a goodies bag home. But, this was just the perfect amount.

It was a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon, locked away in our own little haven of relaxation!



Sunday 26 April 2015

Insta-Happenings

I've been doing lots of blogging this week...


Sundays are for blogging, candles and nail painting. I spent last Sunday evening curled up in a blanket, coating my nails in a deep dark red that I love with my new favourite smell - passionfruit and vanilla cream - burning away in the background.

Aaaaaaaand HERE's one of the posts I created for you guys! I visited the gorgeous Biggin Hall and munched on a glorious afternoon tea. It is such a lovely place filled with antique furnishings and a really peaceful ambience. There's also a little OOTD in there too. I took my new stripy top for a outing and loved wearing it. It was such a good buy!

Last week I got invited to the launch of Keds collaboration with Oasis and spent the morning lusting after some amazing shoes. The range has four staple styles and they're just so pretty - have a nosey HERE.Which once do you think I went for?

Wasn't it so sunny and amazingly summer like this week?! It made me want to wear yellow to match the sunshine so I posted a wee #tbt to an old outfit, HERE. I love this yellow top from H&M it's such a pretty colour and lovely, easy shape to wear. Pop on a monochrome jacket and some heeled boots and you're good to go.

My little sister has been doing some work placements and so has been staying with me. She's such a little sweetie and got me this gorgeous image of Glasgow Uni and some very high-class chocolate! The picture glows with my favourite colours and looks perfect in the flat - thank you!

I was treated to a very special jacket that you can read about HERE. The heritage brand has been making jackets since 1894 and they really are investments pieces that you'll keep forever. Have you guessed where it's from yet?


Sundays are for blogging, but they're also for cake, coffee and friends. This rose and pistachio cake was gorgeous.


Saturday 25 April 2015

The Heritage Jacket

I'd fancied myself a Barbour jacket for a while and my Gran decided I should be treated to an early Birthday present - much to my delight!


Barbour is a brand that has a rich history and has become well-established as a iconic British company. The heritage brand has been around since 1894 and is a 5th generation family owned business - still manufactured by hand in the factory in South Shields. Originally intended for the outdoors it has now become luxury fashion brand - authentic and whole-heartedly British.

Their waxed-cotton jackets have become iconic and are very distinctive, spawning many high-street copies. But the originals are definitely an investment piece. They have a lasting-quality, they are durable, robust, classic and now a staple. Synonymous with country escapes and great outdoor pursuits they have also made the move into the city - bridging the gap between fashion and function.



Barbour states that their clothing; "brings the qualities of wit, grit and glamour to its beautifully functional clothing." And they really are 'glamourous' pieces in their own special way, with a luxe and elegant air about them, hinting at their heritage history.

The waxed cotton clothing is some pretty darn tough fabric and as soon as you slouch it on you feel wrapped up against the elements. It is a real investment piece as well when you consider that the fabric is actually supposed to improve with age.

So anyway, as you might be able to tell, I'm a fan of the heritage brand!


There are loads of different versions and mine has an authentic tartan lining, with an iconic diamond-quilted design covering the jacket. It's a comfortable and relaxed fit in a versatile navy colour and a classic corduroy to complete the look.

And the best bit - the cosy hand warmers! There was actually squeals of delight when we discovered them in the shop.



It's a great item to have hanging in the cupboard and will last you for years - a proper investment piece that you'll never regret.


For my journey back to Glasgow from the Peak District I wore a soft knitted jumper, statement necklace, jeans and shiny brogues, lovely lovely.

Jacket - Barbour
Jumper - H&M
Jeans - Topshop 
Shoes - Next 
Necklace - H&M 



Wednesday 22 April 2015

Keds and Oasis - Perfectly Paired

I was more than a little bit excited to be invited along to the launch of Keds collaboration with Oasis!


Oasis is a wonderful shop - I always associate it with pretty florals and bright summer colours. There is always a load of glorious dresses to twirl around in, gorgeous details and boutique-esque pieces. For me it's a grown-up chic shop - that's still a little fun with all the amazing colours! Whenever you pass the window or take a wander in you're transported to a summer garden filled with bright blossoming flowers and sunshine - a pretty good feeling when you're shopping if you ask me!

Keds is an American footwear brand. It reminds me of The O.C. - everyones favourite show back when I was a young 'un - I think it was because once-upon-a-time Mischa Barton was the face of the brand, now it's the amazing Taylor Swift. Are ya getting an image? All American sunshine girl. They actually been around since 1916 and made sneakers simple and chic. They're comfy and effortless, but they also have a luxe element to them with their sought after brand name.

But anyway back to the event!



We were invited along for breakfast - and it was the perfect way to start a Thursday morning. Walking towards the window you couldn't help but notice the bright window display - summer was practically jumping out of the glass. And this theme carried on in the display - with patterned plant pots growing shoes and an amazing sign to point you in the direction of your perfect pair.


Picking up on SS15's key prints and vibrant tones in the capsule collection there are four styles to choose from...

The Perfectionist - a dainty little nautical striped lace-up trainer. The classic strip is brighten up with neon stripes round the sole - I'm seeing myself strolling round the French Riviera.

The Jetsetter - Aloha! The bright tropical print on these is so perfect for the summer months. I love the colours on the floral design and the bold design really stands out.

The English Rose - aren't these just so pretty! I'm a sucker for dainty floral designs and this is the kind of print I love. They are perfect to add a girlie touch to any outfit, without going over the top.

The Style Hunter - now these are my favourite. The leopard print design adds a little more edge and the slip-on style is so comfortable. They neon detail makes them stand out and gives them a unique touch. They'll look great with ripped skinnies or add another dimension to a floaty midi skirt - and basically I couldn't resist a pair, there's nothing like a 'new-shoe-feeling'.



Clive Reeve, Oasis Design Director said; "Vibrant print and pattern is at the heart of the Oasis design ethos, so working with Keds - a brand equally renowned for their iconic style - is a natural brand fit for us. It's been great to incorporate our prints into their design to create a fantastic capsule collection for Oasis and Keds customers alike."

And he is so right - they are pretty darn fantastic!



You can snap them up in UK sizes 3-8 for £45 - so don't be missing out! Which ones will you go for?

A huuuuuuuge thank you for Glasgow Buchanan Galleries Oasis store for having me - so obsessed with my new shoes! 



Monday 20 April 2015

Stripes and Scones

There is simply no better way to waste away an afternoon than feasting on a glorious afternoon tea in surroundings where one simple must refer to me as Lady Marion.



My Mum knows me pretty well. She and my Gran had hatched a plan to treat me to afternoon tea in the more gorgeous antique surroundings - there is really nothing that I could enjoy more. So, after a morning wandering around the pretty town of Bakewell - yes, this is where Bakewell Pudding comes from - and treating ourselves to some extra special treats (keep your eyes peeled!) we jumped in the car and headed through the pretty Derbyshire landscape to Biggin Hall.



I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get my new stripes on and wore my brand spankin' new top. It's such a lovely cut, with a high neck and then almost a-line effect. It looks just perfect teamed with camel and I'm craving a lovely camel trench coat to wear it with, rather than an old, pretty scabby cardigan. Add on coated jeans as a nice alternative to denim and you're good to go.



And what goes perfectly with navy and cream stripes - a splash of red of course! I got this perfect little purse as a present from my Dad you had recently jetted off on a work trip to New York. Doesn't he have good taste?! Purses are something that I always seem to get as a present from my parents and my last one was just beginning to fall apart, so it was ideal timing. I love the bright red as a change from the black or brown coloured purses I've had in the past. It adds a lovely injection of colour to your handbag contents.

Some patent, tasselled brogues....

And pose on the balcony with the daffodils!

(All I'm doing these days is dreaming of my own little balcony that I can fill with flowers and ornate iron chairs and recline on reading books and drinking tea - goals.)



Biggin Hall is hidden away in Derbyshire in the beautiful Peak District. Rolling past the quaint countryside, with tumbling stone walls you almost feel as though you've been transported into a Jane Austen novel and you're on your way to make ideal chit chat with Emma Woodhouse about how unsuitable certain all the gentleman in the area are. The hall itself is of 17th century origin, built in traditional manor-house style and whispers secrets of past grandeur. The style was common in Tudor times and it has a beautiful, old-world charm to it.


We reclined in the elegant sitting room for a while - it was so tranquil, peaceful and relaxing. The garden peeked through the french doors and the antique furniture was more than delightful - despite the musty smell. In fact the hint of musk only added to its glorious authenticity.


I loved the books.

I adore the old style covers and feel like I'm bring let into a secret world with the scribbles on the inside covers gifting the pages to loved one, friends and families from a time gone by.

There was three different choice of afternoon tea and they were actually really reasonably price. We shared The Biggin, while my Gran opted for The Heathcote. Soon tiers of delicious sandwiches and mouth-watering cakes arrived. The lemon drizzle and almond concoction was voted the favourite by my Mum and Gran, but I preferred the gooey, soft brownies - amazing.


It really is a charming place with real character hidden away in the old stone building. I would love to return on a summers days and relax in the gardens. We spend a throughly peaceful afternoon being transported back to a bygone time, just lovely. The beautiful old features - the fireplace, the furniture - were all beautiful and unique, making it a really special place.


Even as we left guests nibbled on cakes and sipped on tea as they played board games in front of a roaring fire - bliss.



Cardigan - Zara
Top - H&M
Jeans - Topshop 
Heeled Brogues - Next
Purse - DKNY