OOTD: Floral Culottes

Outfit:

Black leather jacket: Zara (similar)

Multi coloured tropical culottes: New Look

Black jersey top: ASOS (similar)

Black pony haired sandals: New Look (similar)

In less than three weeks I’ll be jetting off to Barcelona for a week to bask in the sunshine, eat lots of tapas and soak up the sights. I’m a fairly casually dressed flier and I have to be comfortable. I usually wear lots of layers as I’m always a little bit cold on the aeroplane - air conditioning is not my friend! I wear the jacket I take on holiday to save room in my suitcase. Patterned culottes like these feel like I’m wearing my pyjamas so they’re great for getting cosy on a plane. They’re made from a lightweight, thin material so they won’t be too sticky on the other side as you struggle to cope with the heat. Am I the only one who loves that first feeling of the heat hitting you as soon as you step off the plane?! I like shoes that are easy to take off because I like to air my feet while I'm flying. I've worn these sandals as we land in the morning, that way I don't have to root around in my luggage for things to wear when we get to our apartment. I can head out as soon as I've dumped my luggage.

Purple Parking have a cracking table on hand luggage requirements so you don’t have any nightmares at the airport. They’re so fussy now! I usually go make up free on flights because I’m always napping on and off and plus who can be bothered to do a full face of make up when you’re so excited?! In my hand luggage I always keep my favourite lip balm, some moisturiser and some hand cream as flying can take it’s toll on my skin. It gets so dry and needs a pick me up as soon as I land. I have my camera, iPad, phone, kindle, money, travel documents and passport all tucked away safely in a side pocket for easy access. Getting stuck at customs is never fun!

What do you take in your hand luggage when you travel?

This post was written in collaboration with Purple Parking. Thanks to Sarah for snapping these pics!

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Thoroughly English

At the risk of being very cliché, I'm very much an autumn girl. I love it when the weather starts to get a little more chilly, the trees start to change colour and I have the excuse to spend my Sundays tucked up in bed binge watching Netflix without feeling guilty about missing out on the sunshine. I really do love layering up and getting all cosy with a scarf and gloves. Don't even get me started on buying coats. My excuse for my bulging wardrobe is as a Brit we spend most of the year in coats so I need to stock up. But just no rain please. I hate the rain. I've put together a little wish list of things I'd love to be sporting this season. A girl can dream right?

Parka - Joules, Skinny Jeans - Joules, Red Audacious Lipstick - NARS, Navy Tartan Check reversible scarf - River Island, Kate Salon Pro red Nail Polish - Rimmel, Jewellery - Joules, Leather brogues - Joules

Jumper - Joules, Trench Coat - Joules, Cream Embellished gloves - New Look, Grey bag - River Island, Boots - Joules

What are you looking forward to buying this autumn?

This post was written in collaboration with Joules.

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#languageoflove

La Redoute got in touch about their #languageoflife campaign which is encouraging people to break down emotional barriers and speak from the heart. They've released a cracking video showing a few people - dressed impeccable from the brand of course - opening up and telling their loved ones how they really feel. In a recent survey La Redoute found 22% of Brits last told someone that they loved them more than a year ago, or hadn't ever said those words at all. Make sure you click through as you'll have a lump in your throat! It's worth it to peak at Mr Redoute too!

They asked me to show the love and I thought who better than one of my best friends Jay. Basically this girl is me but a whole lot nicer. She's got a massive heart and nothing is too much trouble for her. She often puts everyone's needs above her own and takes a back seat so that the other person can benefit more. I often tell her she need to be tougher but to be honest she's pretty special the way she is. She warms my cold heart and keeps me in check.

She's the little devil on my shoulder telling me I definitely need to order a dessert despite eating till I feel sick, the encouragement I need during a spending spree when my bank account is looking tragic, the whisperer in my ear insisting that my wine glass should be full again, the tapper on my shoulder to inform me we should be owning the middle of the dance floor and the listener to all my irrational problems when I'm having a mini breakdown.

So this is me declaring my love for her and hoping that we're going to be the inappropriate 90 year old women flashing their knickers on the dance floor and embarrassing their grandkids.

This post was written in collaboration with La Redoute

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Summer cover ups

Ah the English summer. Is it ever going to arrive with a bang? With this in mind it's always essential to have a few lightweight cover ups as back up as let's face it, you have to be prepared in Britain!

The Kimono

Not just for looking whimsical at festivals, a kimono is the perfect option to give a casual outfit that extra oomph. They look classy and smart yet not too stuffy for everyday wear. It's a perfect companion for skinny jeans and cut off shorts. Given the usual lightweight material they won't weigh you down should you decide to take it off due to the searing heat. Unlikely I know. This Asos blush pink number is a great neutral colour and not too fussy meaning it'll be the perfect option for almost everything in your wardrobe. What's not to like?

The Bomber Jacket

Sports luxe is still going strong and this monochrome Glamourous bomber jacket is definitely something I can get on board with! With it's silky smooth finish it won't encourage you to overheat and is a great option if you're traveling. Public transport is always a little chilly and it won't be too heavy to sling over your arm when you finally get out into the daylight. Stylish and practical!

The boucle

In my humble opinion boucle jackets just ooze class. It's a little bit too chilly to wear them in the winter but come the warmer months they help you stay just the right temperature. They can smarten up any outfit and are brilliant to pop on when you're popping out after work for a few drinks as they instantly make you look like you've made an effort. Let's face it, it can be hard to look respectable after a nine hour shift! The studded detailing on this Miss Selfridge jacket stops it from looking frumpy and the fitted shape help you show off what your mama gave you.

The Bolero

Boleros are a fabulous option for chilly evenings. They always look smart and really help to complete an outfit. Buying one in a neutral colour can be a god send with cotton summer dresses. It helps keep the chill away without looking too clunky. If you're going to a wedding this summer, they're a great option to cover shoulders in church. This knitted black bolero from Bonprix  is a very reasonable price point. You won't have any trouble with your cost-per-wear!

The Evening Jacket

Sometimes you need a little sparkle in the evening and this silver Asos number fits the bill. With while mesh panels it allows breathing room and the silver panels will shimmer in the sunshine. You don't have to wait until Christmas to wear metallics. The key for a summer jacket is one that doesn't crease easily as you're constantly popping it on and off. You really don't want to look like a sack of spuds by the end of the night.

This was a collaborative post.

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