House of Fraser – Christmas in July

Christmas…in July!? Yes, it is the unfortunate right of passage that every blogger and journalist must make during the sweltering July heat. It may seem insane, but there’s actually a lot of sense in it. The Christmas months can be a little hectic, but the stores still want to let the press know what will be hitting their shelves for the most wonderful time of the year. Hence ‘Christmas in July’. A month when everyone feels a lot less stressed, and a whole lot warmer. Giving the magazines and blogs plenty of time to prepare their features and own personal wish lists. 
House of Fraser were amongst the few I attended and I was certainly put into the holiday spirit. Christmas trees and stockings lined the hall, whilst waitresses offered us elderberry water and earl grey cookies. As I nibbled away, tiny hedgehog decorations and ornate Biba candles grabbed my attention (and personal affections). The sights, smells and tastes all screamed Christmas. 
I personally love gifting at Christmas, and I certainly have some ideas of what I’ll be putting under the tree this year. Still, it would be silly to say that I didn’t also enjoy browsing House of Frasers offerings for myself. Lulu Guinness always brings something fun and unique to the table, making her items some of the top on my Christmas list. The selection of high-end beauty products and perfumes also called out to me, most notably the Laura Mercier lip glosses, and Guerlain and Valeur Absolue‘s perfumes. 
Previous years saw me avoiding department stores but House of Fraser has changed that. In the past year I’ve found myself more and more drawn to their choice of brands. They’re a store that is keeping up with the times and continues to impress with their products. The variety of items available are enviable, as is the quality. If I had to choose only one store to buy all of my gifts this Christmas, they would win hands down. 

Wish List: John Lewis Winter Luxe Edit

John Lewis Wishlist
John Lewis carries pretty much all of my favourite brands.
Mulberry, check. Avène, check. Whistles, check. Kurt Geiger, check.
The list goes on and on, but I won’t bore you with that right now…promise.
Instead I’m sharing some of my favourite pieces with you, in a special Winter wishlist.
That way all you have to do is look at pretty things and click on a link, if you want them that is.
John Lewish recently released ‘The Winter Luxe Edit’.
What’s that? Well it’s basically their own wish fashion list.
They’ve chosen some of their best brands, designers and pieces on offer for Winter.
It’s all very cosy, glamorous, and also a little bit sexy – I’m looking at you Alice Temperley.
I choose the Somerset by Alice Temperley Oversized Cashmere Jumper as the focus of my wishlist.
I really enjoy building outfits around one key item, and thereby creating something amazing.
Of course I couldn’t resist adding a few pieces of Mulberry to the list, you have to, don’t you?
My new dream bag is the Mulberry Suffolk. I’d like to say a girl can dream, but, well, you know.
Matching my accessories and boots to the bag might seem a little over the top, but I love a focus point.
All in all I think this is a pretty amazing wish list for Winter – if only I could wait for Christmas!
Why not browse the John Lewis website and create your own wishlist?
You can view the prices and where to buy all of these items here.
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This post is in collaboration with John Lewis but all views, photos and words are my own.

Source: 1

The Perfect Birthday Wish List

Birthday Wishlist


My Birthday Wishlist


It’s my birthday on the 29th, so I decided it was time to choose all the ridiculously extravagant items I want.
So what is on my ‘perfect birthday’ wishlist?

Every birthday girl needs a cake and I’d pick mine up from Ladurèe.
Then I’d need a birthday outfit. I’d stay fashionable with a Lazy Oaf bodycon, and warm with a Topshop cropped jumper. I’d then apply my new D&G 90s brown lipstick and pop it into my pastel purple satchel for later. Accessories would include a Michael Kors watch (of course), with Tatty Devine ring & earrings and some funky nail wraps. After a long day of wining, dining and partying with the loveliest of people, I’d relax at home with an Earl Grey scented candle, whilst I listened to my favourite music on my new Macbook Air.

Wow, and you thought I didn’t have an imagination!
Don’t worry though, I’m not taking it too seriously. I just decided to create a perfectly wishful wishlist.
I’m always very grateful whatever I happen to receive, but it’s always fun to dream, and dream I shall.


You can view the full set, and where to buy items here.
How would you spend your perfect birthday?