Fashion Uniforms

It's easy to wear the same thing again and again, but sometimes it's nice to switch it up a bit...

We're all guilty of it, clothes we go back to again and again, time after time, our Fashion Uniforms. And there's nothing wrong with this! For me it's anything at all that has a stripe on it, a dash of red lipstick and if it's the weekend, probably a cross-body bag. It's easy, it's comfortable and you don't even have to think about it.

Especially when it comes to work outfits it's easy to take the Mark Zuckerberg approach and wear the same grey t-shirt day in and out, but maybe Zuckerberg isn't as much of a shopper as I am, who knows! With work I do tend to have things that I wear at least once a week or so, but even though these are smart clothes for a particular kind of day I do think it's nice to try new things and different combinations. I feel better when I'm sporting a sparkly new look. Some may mock me for that, but for me it's the ultimate confidence boost and that is certainly not a bad thing.

Look at famous fashion icons. Iris Apfel, she's rarely spotted without some brightly coloured fake fur,  layered statement jewellery and of course, her thick, round spectacles. Kim Kardashian, love her or loathe her, she's definitely got a look. But the other thing is they do also mix it up, changing colours and textures and creating something different every time they step out the door.

For me switching it up is a good thing.

A Saturday morning not that long ago I heaved a huge sigh and thought, you know what, I'm bored of pulling on the same jeans every weekend morning. I'm bored of it and feel it's gotten so samey. So I decided to make more of an effort to wear more skirts. No, this isn't particularly groundbreaking, but even a little change in your Fashion Uniform routine can make you feel so much better.

Just pulling on a skirt instead of the usual denims made me feel more pulled together, like I had got more dressed up for whatever occasion Saturday was going to throw at me.

Of course to make me feel comfortable and confident wearing it I had to keep some of my wardrobe staples in the mix. The stripes on top. The shoes - I know you've seen them a million times before! The scarf, I'm rarely seen without some sort of big scarf draped round me to keep me warm. The cross-body bag. I've actually got quite a collection of these and my Mum is really good at picking them out, so I do try to use a few different ones. I hate the thought of them not fulfilling their handbag purpose in life.

But even just changing one thing and leaving the jeans behind is a bit of a refresh. It gives you a touch of the thrill you get from that new clothes feeling.

Plus I put my hands up - I really like shopping! I enjoy finding new clothes that make me go 'ooooh' and I would feel awful sad if all these pretty new things hung in my wardrobe unworn. On the other hand though I also keep a lot of my clothes and some of my all-time favourite pieces date back years and years. One of the best things is to mix your Fashion Uniform, your wardrobe staples with something different to give you and your outfit a new lease of life.

Now did I just give myself an excuse to go shopping...

x x x

Top - Primark

Skirt - New Look 

Shoes - New Look 

Scarf - H&M

Coat - Primark

Bag - LIU.JO

Lido Troon - Love Food, Feel Good

I've only just woken up from my food and gin coma...

The lovely Buzzworks recently me invited me along to the Lido in Troon to sample their amazing sounding menu and I was so excited to try it out! As a Glasgow Westender for the last however many years it's always great to get out of the Westend bubble and try some new places. Troon really isn't that far at all and I think it makes it even more exciting to take a little trip outside of the city for food.

As part of Buzzwork Holdings the Lido is all about using the finest ingredients and the best local suppliers. From this philosophy the Lido creates food that is simple and delicious with a subtle, laid-back Mediterranean influence.

The 'Love Food, Feel Good' night was all about delicious food that's been prepared with passion, highlighting a love of good food and celebrating the love, care and quality that goes into every single dish. When you think about it most special occasions revolve around food and a meal out really brings people you love together. And if you have a gorgeous setting and a mouth-watering menu to share then all the better.

The Lido has recently been given a fashionable make-over and the beautiful, contemporary setting is a really relaxing and chic environment. We dined in stylish private dining room, but it was so nice to also see the restaurant filled with people of all ages enjoying their meals.

There was just so much food!

We were delivered the most delicious array of dishes and we were lucky enough to try every single dish on the specially created menu. Perfect if you often suffer from food envy! We had canapés, starters, sharing planks, mains, desserts...

I was also absolutely delighted to see that we would be treated to some Edinburgh Gin cocktails. Edinburgh Gin is probably my absolute favourite gin and a good gin cocktail is without a doubt my tipple of choice. I particularly loved the 'Cannonball' which was, gin, orange bitters, Schwepps ginger ale, an orange slice and a hint of black pepper - sublime.

Everything was, of course, just delicious but as always I had a couple of favourites!

The Beef Carpachio to start was melt in the mouth, but I also couldn't resist the Pumpkin Tortellini with crispy pancetta and amaretti crumble. I'm currently having the best food flashbacks.

The sharing planks were also amazing and there's nothing I love more than a huge antipasto plate - especially when paired with another gin cocktail, keep 'em coming!

By this point we needed a little break and the charming Italian chef, Mattia Delle Piane came out to talk all things pasta. Mattia hosted a pasta-making masterclass and magically produced all kinds of pasta right before our eyes. His passion for food really shone through and it was so lovely to hear all of his stories about his Italian family and how his Nonna cooked homemade pasta every Sunday and you had to be there without fail. Also, who knew there could be so many types of pasta!

And on to the mains...

The King Prawn and Crab Spaghetti was so, so good and the pasta was deliciously fresh! I also can't say no to a risotto dish and the Butternut Squash Risotto with crisp sage leaves, parmesan shavings and rocket was pretty damn tasty.

Make sure you leave a little room for dessert! Now I must apologise for the lack of photos, but if you'd like my two cents - Nutella tart!

Thank you so much to Buzzworks for inviting me along and another huge thank you to the Lido in Troon for hosting. It was an amazing night filled with the best food and drinks!

x x x

** I was invited along to enjoy a meal on the house, but all views are my own! 

REVIEW: The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Hair Scrub

So to give this wonder product its full title - the Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Purifying Cleansing Hair Scrub.

So yes, it's a bit of a mouthful (Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Purifying Cleansing Hair Scrub) but it is fabulous. I'd never really heard of a hair scrub before, let along tried one so I was definitely intrigued by this sparkling new hair product.

I was first introduced to it a couple of weeks ago at a Body Shop event. It was the same week the infamous Beast from the East struck and it was one of the best smelling places to hide away as the first flakes of snow began to fall (just a hint of what was to come!). I've always been a fan of the Body Shop, from the body butters to my favourite face mask, I always think that their products are perfectly natural, beautiful to use and most importantly they do make a difference.

The Body Shop haircare range isn't something that I've tried much of before. I remember when I was really young my Godfather gave me a set of their honey shampoo and conditioner and I was obsessed with it and was always trying to make my pocket money stretch to a new bottle. So after a far too long hiatus it was definitely time to dive back into the world of the Body Shop haircare.

At the event at the Sauchiehall Street store the lovely Body Shop ladies introduced the Green Tea Hair Scrub, as I've always got a mug of green tea in my hand I was immediately tempted. They had my full attention and I couldn't wait to give it a go.

The Fuji Green Tea Hair Scrub is filled with Japanese green tea, mint, menthol, salt crystals and honey - a magical combination! I love how Body Shop products are always packed with amazing ingredients, the green tea leaves are hand-picked from the Shizuoka region of Japan and the honey is community trade all the way from Ethiopia. The Body Shop really cares about where their ingredients come from and it definitely makes all the difference.

"The purifying scrub will make your scalp feel instantly refreshed, help reduce build-up on hair and leave you feeling revitalised with a healthy-looking shine."

It's like an invigorating scrub shampoo which you simply massage into your scalp to get rid of all the impurities that everyday life throws at your hair. All you need is a teaspoon of the scrub, mix it with a little water and the massage it in. Surprisingly it does actually lather us like a shampoo, albeit a really thick one. Once the salt has done its job and exfoliated and the honey has moisturised, it easily rinses away. One of the best things though has to be the smell, oh my goodness it's just sublime. It's just so refreshing and invigorating.

I've started using it once a week on a Sunday as a pampering treat. After you use it your hair just feels so smooth and silky. It gives your hair and scalp such an amazing clean that you can really feel, leaving your hair light-weight and super soft - just like you've finished at the hairdressers!

It's a fabulous way to give your hair a deep clean and I think a lovely glow - I've found a new favourite hair product!

x x x

Slenderella - Time to Get Comfy

My name is Kirsten and I'm addicted to pyjamas.

Who doesn't love a gorgeous set of pyjamas? I certainly do. I'm a massive fan of nightwear and I was absolutely delighted to partner-up with the wonderful Slenderella to share their beautiful pyjamas with you.

Slenderella are a family-run business in the picturesque Derbyshire. They produce some really lovely nightwear and lingerie that's exclusively designed and is all about good quality and value for money - what more could you want! Based in Belper the area has a history of textile manufacture, Slenderella is proud of this heritage and really want to continue the traditions that have given them such a fabulous reputation using only the finest natural fibres.

As soon as they pop through your letterbox get ready to get comfy! There is nothing more satisfying at the end of a long day than pulling on your comfies and settling in to a relaxing evening. For me that means gorgeous pyjamas, popping the kettle on and some glossy magazines.

I just can't tell you how happy a new pair of pyjamas make me.

There's something so luxurious and indulgent about putting on a soft and pretty pair and then slipping under a duvet with a steaming mug of tea. I was one of those little girls that dreamed of those fluffy heeled slippers and although I still don't own a pair, I've carried on the notion that just because you're going to sleep doesn't mean you don't have to look and feel fabulous. I'm a bit of a fashion-lover and that doesn't stop when it comes to nightwear.

I went for the Modern Rose Print Pyjamas - so pretty!

I adore the floral pattern that has an almost vintage feel to it  - it's just delightful. I love an old-fashioned print and this one is perfect as it's brightened up with the pink colour. I went for the raspberry option, which is just the happiest of girly prints, but there's also a navy option if you'd prefer! They are so soft and comfortable to wear and just perfect to snuggle up in. The wonderfully tailored cut also means that they fit fabulously.

So if you haven't already gathered I'm a huge fan of pyjamas, especially ones with a really delightful print. I'm not an 'old t-shirt to bed' kinda person and I have a drawer stuffed full of special pairs for going away, for weekends, for the winter, for the summer.... I'm so excited to add this set to my collection!

I'm also thinking that a gorgeous gift from Slenderella could be the perfect Mother's Day gift!

You could treat her to a matching nightdress so you can make the most adorable mother-daughter pair! There's so many gorgeous option, from heart print pyjama sets to tartan nighties or fluffy, cosy dressing gowns. Mums love a big ol' fluffy dressing gown.

And here's something to help you to treat your Mum (or you, or your sister, auntie, gran...) a lil discount code! Enter the discount code 'LettersFromMarion15' and you'll get 15% off the entire range. There's an excuse to get comfy and cosy right there!

Thanks so much to Slenderella for sending me these pyjamas - I'm obsessed!

x x x

**These pyjamas were gifted to me for review purposes, but all words are my own! 

A Weekend in Paris: The Sights

Ahhh Paris, let me take you on a sightseeing tour of the beautiful city...

This is the last in my series of Paris posts (crying emoji). I've taken you to the majestic Versailles, waffled on about how I wish I was French and pretended to be a bit of an art boffin. This time get lost in the city with me as we check out the sights!

Paris is a city that's all about sight-seeing. Every corner you turn you're delighted with a new view that you've seen stamped on black and white postcards or in the pages of fashion magazines - it sometimes feels like you've just stepped into a film. So many of the spots have been admired for so long that they really should be cliche by now, but I can promise you they're not. Every stop is wonderfully romantic and charming in itself. It's just a place to fall in love with.

We arrived in the evening and as soon as we'd dumped our bags we decided to get lost along the moonlit streets.

We strolled out under the stars into the magical atmosphere of Paris at night. Notre Dame wasn't far and the medieval cathedral is kind of enchanting. Lit up at night you can see all of the intricate details and all of the elaborate carvings of the gothic structure.

We then wandered along the banks of the Seine. Just don't forget to look back and enjoy the spellbinding view. Pause for a minute and watch the restaurant boats float by and imagine the love stories that are bring written that very moment.

When daylight comes you have to head to Montmartre!

This has to be one of my favourite areas. It's a little bit away from the centre and all of the hustle and bustle. It's just a little quaint french bubble to get lost in and it feels like it's a little place all on its own. You've got to just embrace it and accept all its adorableness! The area is named after the hill which stands tall above the city and once you've climbed up all the steps you can see for miles over the whole city. Grab a spot and point out all the sights that you can see. The atmosphere is contagious and you just feel like you want to join in and get carried away in the whirlwind of Paris. Once you've finished gazing at the view get lost wandering around the lively, cobbled streets.

The area is filled with lots of cafes and bars and you can't walk far without being tempted by a wine stop.

My favourite thing about France is how all of the cafes are set up for people-watching - my favourite holiday hobby. There's nothing better then sipping a chilled glass of French white wine and watching the world go by. It's a really buzzy spot and as you taste all the wines on offer you can watch the buskers, street artists and general french entertainers. Just keep your glass filled up and you can lose hours...

Before the wine takes too much of a hold don't forget to visit the Sacre Coeur that sits at the top of the hill.

'The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris' is a beautiful church that almost takes your breath away. From its doors you can see all over the city. It looks so majestic watching over Paris and standing tall against a beautiful blue sky.

I adore how all the architecture is just stylishly french. I love the quaint shutters, the wrought iron railings and the tall french windows - home goals. It is just such a pretty city and so charming. I would love to throw open the shutters every morning and greet the Eiffel Tower with a croissant in hand. One can dream.

The following day we actually stumbled upon the Arc de Triomphe after walking off a long Parisian lunch. We were delighted to find a complete fanfare going on. Crowds had gathered, military-dressed French men lined up on horses and the audience cheered as dignitaries arrived, waving to them. Again, the amazing city had surprised us at another turn.

The famous Arc honours those who fought and died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic War and the grand monument stands proud at the end of the Champs Elysees. It really is an iconic structure and a typical stop on the sight-seeing tour of Paris. It was just lovely that we got to see it surrounded by all of the excitement!

Last, but certainly not least, the most famous sight in Paris - the Eiffel Tower!

You simply can't go to the city of romance and miss out the Eiffel Tower and it's almost always in sight. You can go up to the top but I just quite looking up admiring the structure. Gazing up through the wrought iron lattice the criss-cross pattern is almost mesmerising. Built between 1887 - 1889 it's a cultural icon. It was originally condemned as an 'eye sore', but since then it has become pretty beloved, even if it it just by the tourists. Fun fact - it was originally intended for Barcelona!

Just make sure you see it glittering at night as well! It comes to life once the sun has set adds a touch of magic to the night sky. There's no better way to finish a trip in the city of love.

Paris I'm just a little bit in love and can't wait to go back!

x x x

Beauty Review - Norvell Tanning

There's nothing wrong with a bit of Strictly glamour...

I love a little tan. I'm very pale, almost translucent and I burn, so for me it's better out a bottle! You just feel better with a sun-kissed glow - plus you can make believe you've been stretched out on a yacht just of the south off France. And a tan shouldn't just be reserved for summer, a golden glow gives you a little sunshine hit in the grey winter months.

This is where Norvell Tanning comes in.

Norvell have been at the forefront of tanning for 30 years and has become a name that you can really trust. Previously their products were only used in salons, but now you can get your hands on the perfect tanning formula. They've just released a Strictly Come Dancing range that was actually used on the show by the celebs and their dancing partners - and we all know how much they love a tan!

I tried out two of their products - the mousse and the airbrush spray.

NORVELL TANNING MOUSSE

I must admit I really enjoyed using the mousse. It's really lightweight and has a soft velvety feel that just glides on to your skin. To get you going Norvell recommend that you lightly exfoliate before you use the tan then pop it on with a mitt. At first I didn't feel like you could see the colour, which is a bit unnerving when you're used to seeing more of a deep brown colour straight away. But, as per the instructions, I left it to develop for 8 hours - so I really popped on my pyjamas and got some shut-eye.

When I got up in the morning I was really delighted with how the tan had developed. It was quite a nice just golden glow, that really didn't look to fake and just gave you that sun-kissed look that's so sought after. I think this could be because the blend of violet and brown tones used are said to neutralise any orange hue. The tan also deepens over the next day and overall I felt the colour lasted pretty well - it's the perfect Thursday night tan if you're after a glow at the weekend!

NORVELL PERFECT 10 AIRBRUSH SPRAY

A perfect 10 is what the judges would give this tan - get it! My dancing skills definitely wouldn't be getting a 10. But enough of that nonsense, lets get down to tanning business. This tan is complete with a "micro-spray that sashays over the skin" and it does spray on pretty easily and lightly like a magical golden mist. Make sure you exfoliate before you use it then as you apply keep moving it and spray in a sweeping motion, then similarly leave it to develop for 8 hours.

I have to confess that I was a little nervous about using the spray, as I'd only ever had a 'spray' tan professionally done and had never used one at home. But I was delighted with how easy it was and I ended up just smoothing it over with a mitt. Pretty much straight away it went into a deep tan, don't panic it is pretty dark at first! Again, I put it on at night then when I showered in the morning it did wash off a tad and then left a gorgeous golden tan. It's definitely going to be my go-to for if I'm getting dressed up for a wee night out!

Thanks so much to Norvell and Alex Silver PR for sending me out the mousse and spray to try - I loved them!

x x x 

** These products were sent to me for review purposes, but all glowing reviews are my own 

Add a Frill and I'm Happy

Oh the humble jumper how I adore you.

We all love a good jumper. Don't lie to me, I know you do. They are cosy, practical, and now there's so many variations about they're definitely chic. I could live in jumpers and jeans and I have a wardrobe stuffed with woollen delights. They are probably the easiest item to pull on in the morning and all they need is a little stripe, a bright slogan or bit of sparkle to look fabulous. I just can't resist when I see a new one that I fall in love with!

This is one of my favourites at the moment.

The frill sleeve is just fabulous. It's just a simple grey jumper and then 'ooooh la la' check out the sleeves. And that's what is so good about jumpers, they may seem like the simplest of wardrobe staples, but with just a little extra detail added they turn into an amazing statement piece.

Complete with two tiers of frills they really catch your eye, and as you probably know tick the trend boxes. I love how they swish about making you feel all sassy. (Just to note though they are difficult to fit through coat sleeves!)

The soft grey colour is also just lovely and so easy to wear with anything. Dress it down with jeans or add some skinny leather trousers for a more dressed-up look. The touch of fabulousness means that a jumper can in fact be dressy.

Here it's just dressed for a simple Saturday with 'Mom' jeans and black boots.

Awww jumpers I love you!

Jumper - River Island 
Jeans - Topshop 'Mom' Jeans
Boots - H&M

x x x

Treat Yourself to a Face Mask

There's nothing like a good ol' face mask to give your skin a good pamper.

I've never used to be one of those people that would just slap on a face mask every so often, I've just never got in to the habit, but after trying out some new ones I've definitely come round to them. I used to think they took time and were a bit of a faff, something that should only be reserved for extra special pamper nights. But I was wrong. They are a fabulous little invention that you should definitely incorporate into your skincare regime. They are so easy to use every now and again, whilst still feeling wonderfully indulgent and giving yourself a treat.

So which two face masks are my favourite at the moment....

L'OREAL PURE CLAY BRIGHT FACE MASK

I'd spotted these colourful pots everywhere and I was very intrigued by them. After watching the hype from a-far I eventually decided to give them a go.

Each little pot of loveliness is a blend of three clays, plus its own unique ingredient that gives your skin what it needs. My skin had been feeling awfully dull after the winter months, so I went for the 'bright' mask. It "clarifies skin tone and helps to freshen and illuminate the skin" with a Yuzu lemon extract that works to even out your skin. It's also packed with natural exfoliators to deeply cleanse and remove dead skin cells, which is what brightens your skin.

I left it on for 5-10 minutes, the texture still stayed quite 'mud' like and it didn't dry out too much. Immediately my skin felt smoother and softer, but it was really the next morning when I felt like I could see a difference. It's just a little tub of sunshine which gives your skin a lovely boost.

THE BODY SHOP HIMALAYAN CHARCOAL PURIFYING MASK 

I've always been a fan of Body Shop goodies, from their shampoo to their body butters they create beautiful and natural products. But I'd never tried their face masks...

The Himalayan Charcoal Mask helps to purify your skin with its refining and reviving qualities. Inspired by Ayurvedic traditions, a system of medicine that has its historical roots in India, it is made up of bamboo charcoal from the Himalayan Foothills, green tea leaves from Japan and organic tea tree oil. It works as it "draws out impurities and refines the appearance of pores for healthy-looking skin with a glow that shows." With an inbuilt exfoliator it draws out the dead skin cells, whilst the green tea acts as a antioxidant helping to clear up you skin.

Again, I left it on for 5-10 minutes. Its a thick, grainy, mud-like texture, that I do quite like, it feels earthy and natural. This one definitely did dry out quite a bit more, but I quite like this tingling and tightening feeling as it makes me think that it's really doing its job! My skin was beautifully soft and smooth after and I did feel with this one that I noticed straight away.

Two fabulously masks to give your skin a little glow!

x x x