Thursday 25 January 2018

A Weekend in Paris: The Art of the City

Paris really is such an amazing city, I don't think it's a stretch to describe it as its very own piece of art.


You might remember me chattering on about my long weekend in Paris when I told ya all about my visit to the stunning Versailles - well here's what else we got up to for the rest of the most fabulous weekend in September. After Versailles it was a bit more of an arty day...


I'd wanted to visit the Musée d'Orsay for ages and it didn't disappoint. 

I'm obsessed with the old station clock - how fabulous! 


Set in what used to be a railway station the actual building is just beautiful. It has such a charm to it and just feels wonderfully elegant. Nestled on the banks of the Seine it was also used in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition and is often seen as a 'work of art in itself'. Light floods in through the windows on the domes ceiling and intricate detailing lines the walls. It's filled with the most inspiring range of impressionist pieces (my favourite) and really is the most perfect setting to get lost in a world of art. 


The clock on the top floor is just beautiful. 


I love that whilst hidden in the serene museum you can look through the face of the clock, past the ticking hands onto the hustle and bustle below. With a clear blue, sky day the views are dazzling. 


As you head out on to the terrace you can spot the sights from the perspective of the gargoyles! 


Also, I mean how much did we luck out with the weather, it was so, so fabulous. It was the most gorgeous Autumnal afternoon to wander. I think September might be my favourite time of year to visit. The sun can shine, but the searing heat of summer has waned and you can walk and walk, for hours on end. The leaves are just beginning to turn golden and it just feels a little luxurious. 


This really is a city that's made for getting lost in. Every corner you turn delights you and you can slowly wander, soaking in the Parisian lifestyle. 

Spot the Eiffel Tower everywhere you go!


Carrying on the artistic theme we bumped into the Louvre. 


The famous glass triangle beckons you in as the grand architecture wraps around you. It's amazing to think of all the masterpieces which are tucked away close by. The old building was a former royal palace and the sheer size of it is just unbelievable, if you're planning on visiting go earlier and definitely set aside a whole day. In a contrast to the regal structure is the glass pyramid, once a controversial structure, it's now a Parisian landmark, much like the Eiffel Tower! 


We finished the sunny afternoon by sauntering through the Jardin des Tuileries, eating ice cream and people watching. It has such an elegant feel to it and it's just like you're supposed to promenade arm-in-arm, just like the royals would have done. Soak in the relaxing vibe and relax in the Parisian air. 

Ooooh take me back to a Paris! 

Stay tuned for my final day on the glorious weekend... 


x x x 


Wednesday 17 January 2018

Eleganza Sposa | Wedding Dress Shopping

The search for the one begins, the white dress of dreams.


Oh my goodness I can't quite believe I'm saying this, but it's time to go wedding dress shopping!

The very phase has always sent shivers of excitement down my spine and now I actually get to head out and find the dress that turns me into a bride, a mean wow. Whenever I think about it I get a little flutter of butterflies. It's so fabulous, so exciting, but also a little bit scary. This is the dress that you dream about and probably the most expensive piece of clothing you'll ever own. Everything about it is just so magical.

We've now ticked off most of the big things when it comes to wedding planning, so the dress is next on my list! This is why I was so excited when Eleganza Sposa invited me along to a wedding show at Bothwell Bridge Hotel. I immediately was on the phone to my mum and she was just as excited as I was!


Eleganza Sposa is the bridal boutique in Glasgow.

It's a magical, fairytale place filled with dresses that make dreams come true - a wonderland of lace, satin and silk. Founded in 1992 the bridal boutique has a selection of couture gowns which have been carefully selected from a range of designers, such as Yolan Cris, Suzanne Neville, Rosa Clara, Riki Dala, amongst others. They have always been at the cutting edge of bridal fashions and were even the first Glasgow boutique to stock strapless gowns! Now their range has every kind of dress that you can imagine as brides want to do their own thing more and more.

The runway show at Bothwell Bridge Hotel celebrated 25 years of Eleganza Sposa and the catwalk was all about 'A Return to Glamour'. It showcased new and exclusive dresses from their own collection, Argento Collezioni, and featured key trends for 2018, such as delicate 3D florals, beading and lace illusion.


I hadn't really thought too, too much about what I seriously wanted from my wedding dress, but I came away with so many ideas! There won't be any hints though!

Managing Director and Head of Design, Dr Anna Cirignaco said: "The runway show presents a return to glamour and will be a spectacle of beauty." Anna was just the loveliest person to chat to and she made me feel so much more confident and comfortable about finding my very own wedding dress. She was just fabulous!

Eleganza Sposa also have an beautiful range of exquisite evening and occasion wear, including the amazing Tarik Ediz.


They look simply fabulous strutting down the catwalk!


The best thing about Eleganza is how much they care. They really are dedicated to finding the perfect dress for each and every bride. Their personal assistance and attention to detail is just amazing and they really do want to ensure that it's the one for you that you walk away with. Eleganza also understands that every bride is different and that's why they have such a stunning array of styles and experienced bridal stylists on hand to help you to find the dress of dreams.

I can't really put into words how excited and unbelievable to feels to be going wedding dress shopping! And a little note to my Mum and sisters - you better shed tears when I step out in the one!


A huge thank you to Eleganza Sposa for having me at the Runway Show! Thank you so much for having us along, we really did have the most magical day and now we can't wait to visit your boutique when the serious shopping begins!

x x x 

**I was invited along to the event as a guest, but all wedding dress excitement is my own!



Sunday 14 January 2018

The Classics

There's certain items that everyone should have in their wardrobe.


The basics. The wardrobe staples. The classics.

I love shopping and I love fashion and it's always fun when you find something a little bit extravagant, something that's a bit outlandish and attention-seeking. However, I may be completely head-over-heels in love with some sort of fringed, or feathered, or overly embellished buy, but it's the items that have become known as wardrobe staples that I find myself going back to time and time again.


For me these classics that I can't get enough of are; a white shirt, a good pair of jeans, a black leather jacket, ankle boots and a cross-body bag.

A white shirt you love is something everyone should have.


They just make life so much easier! Plus they don't have to be boring. I adore the frill detail on this one, it just updates it a little and makes it a touch more interesting. When it comes to white shirts we really are spoilt for choice on the high street, there's so many variations. I spied a gorgeous one in Zara the other day with subtle feather details on the shoulder. Or go for one with detail buttons or tie sleeves. I love a good white shirt and if they've got something just a little unique about them then that's all the better.

I'm a jeans fiend at the weekend. I always say I'll try and wear more dresses and skirts, but I always end up in my trusty denims.


Jeans shopping can be a bit of a trial, but I've found that Topshop is the denim supplier for me. The cut of their jeans just fits me well and I've never found an alternative that I like as much. When it comes to style I always used to go for the super-skinny 'Joni', but now I've moved on to 'Jamie' and discovered this is one for me. The denim is super, super comfortable and has a bit of a stretch to it, the cut is fairly high-waisted and then cropped at the ankle. So comfy, so easy to wear, they're my winner that's for sure.

There's not a fashion blogger out there who doesn't have a leather jacket!


A while ago I decided to spend a bit more and invest in a good quality leather jacket and I'm so, so pleased with this one. From Zara, the leather is buttery soft and just has a bit more of an indulgent feel than imitation leather. I love the biker style and it's one of those things you can throw on over a jumper, or add a little edge to a floral dress and you immediately feel a bit more stylish. I would definitely say that this is the classic wardrobe item which you should invest in. Leather jackets will probably never go out of style and if you get decent one in a design you adore you'll be wearing it for years to come.

I'm one of those people who probably has far too many ankle boots in my collection!


I love finding new ones with different details on them. The gold studs on this pair make them just irresistible and I've been wearing them all winter long, getting a truckload of compliments on them as well! The pointed toe and small block heel just finish them off. I've always got a good pair of plain black boots on the go, but I love having a couple of pairs that are a bit more special.

My collection of little weekend bags is constantly growing.


I have quite the range of cross-body bags, because I love them! Throw in your purse, pop in a lipstick, sling it over your shoulder and you're good to go. I love the bright pop of red of this one. It makes a simple outfit stand out a bit more and gives it a zap of energy. This one is from Mango, which is a place I adore for bags. I have a green one from there that I've used for years and it's lasted so well. Little cross-body bags are definitely weekend wardrobe staples for me and I love getting brightly coloured, or patterned ones that are just a little more fun.

What are you're wardrobe classic?

x x x 

Jacket - Zara 
Shirt - Primark 
Jeans - Topshop 
Boots - Primark 
Bag - Mango 



Wednesday 10 January 2018

Armani: Because It's You

The red lipstick of the perfume world.


Armani's Because It's You perfume has been described as 'delicious and sparkling'. For me there's something empowering about it. It's like when you paint on bold red lips, or slip on a LBD and feel like you can conquer anything. It's a perfume that gives you a confidence boost.


When I smell it I find it quite a complex perfume and I can't quite put my finger on what it is I like about it. It captures your attention and it's enchanting. It's almost like you want to keep smelling it so that you can work it out. It reminds me of an old Hollywood starlet that's full of secrets.

Top notes: raspberry, blackcurrent, neroli essence
Heart notes: violet leaves, rose, jasmine
Base notes: patchouli essence, vanilla, musk


I can definitely smell the musk in it and it's almost like a dusty floral smell. It's not sweetly feminine and is more elegant, it's sophisticated and refined. It feels like more of a grown-up scent as it manages to balance the freshness with a heavier, musty, sultry smell. The raspberry in perfume is a new thing to me and I quite like it, I think it adds a bit more energy to it in a way.


Armani perfumes are "an example of invisible sophistication". Like their clothes Armani perfumes want to be noticed by passers-by. Inspired by the different elements of nature they create a harmony that's timeless and vibrant.

"Giorgio Armani's fragrances are dedicated to the modern and sophisticated Armani woman." 



This is definitely going to be the perfume that I spritz on when I need a little confidence boost. I love the intriguing smell and the fact that you just can't really decide what it is you like about it. It's like it just won't whisper all its secrets and leaves you waiting for more.

x x x

Thursday 4 January 2018

French Style

Parisian ladies just have a touch of je nais se quoi...


There's just something about French style. When you wander the French boulevards you can spot a true Parisain lady a mile off. There's just something indescribable about the way they dress and carry themselves, an innate confidence in who they are and what they're wearing. It's an effortless look that's eternally stylish and one that we're all forever trying to emulate.

There's been countless books, blogs, articles, you name it, written about the allure of French style and how you can capture it.'Chic' is the best word how to describe it, but you just can't put your finger on what it is about these Parisian style icons.

Now I am by no means an experts, or an elegant French lady (I wish!) but this is how I would attempt to capture their essence.


The key is to keep it simple. Have staples in your wardrobe that you can mix and match, it's all about the minimalist basics. It's simplicity and having pieces that you can wear again and again. Plus whatever your wearing, wear it with an air of confidence.

Yes, French style can seem like a cliche, but it's an enduring cliche.

So, what do I wear when I'm playing at being French?


Everyone should really own a trench coat and it should be a must-have in any wardrobe. Yes, they may have a British history, but because they are such beautiful basics there's something a little French about them. They are 'throw on over anything chic' and are a real classic that you'll wear year after year, a truly timeless investment. Go for a camel coloured version and you'll wear it every day for any occasion.

Stripes, of course! I am a complete sucker for stripes and I'm pretty much always in some form of the nautical print - it's just so easy to wear! It's doesn't have to be a plain breton tee and a cute top dresses up any outfit a little more. I really like how this peplum design is a little more tailored and the light blue and white stripes are oh-so-french.

Skinny jeans are a must.


I fell hard and fast for these shoes, they're the perfect Gucci loafer dupe. They beautifully capture high-fashion with their classic style and the horse-bit detail emulates the Gucci look. They are also fabulously simple and effortless - I honestly wear them constantly. I've got a big collection of colourful flats, but these are definitely my go-to shoe. Plus they are so super comfortable!

Trench - Zara
Top - Zara
Jeans - Topshop
Shoes - New Look 
Bag - Primark
Sunglasss - Ray-Ban 


x x x