ash bowie wedge hi top trainers

Ash Bowie in Black c/o Zalando - currently on sale for £130 with free delivery

Hey ladies! How are you all doing? Shoes again. I know, I know, I may as well just rename this blog 'Shoe Journal' and be done with it. I promise I have something other than shoes to show you soon. In fact, I just took a bunch of photos of a few new cute things and a bit of a make up splurge so I'll get those posted as soon as I can.

I swear my shoe 'wardrobe' will be complete soon. It seemed like I needed new everything at the start of the year and I've been slowly but surely building back up my collection. This crappy unseasonal weather has really thrown a spanner in the works. Anyone else absolutely livid at this never ending winter? I have a ton of summer clothes and cute sandals crying out to be worn!

Anyways, I just wanted to check in to share these amazing high tops by Ash. This style is a true blogger favourite and they can be seen all over the blogosphere. I particularly liked the black because they seem to match with pretty much everything and I love the leg lengthening effect when worn with black skinnies. The heel height is perfect and they are super duper comfy. I haven't tried yet but I'm convinced I could wear these all day long without a second thought. I don't think this trend is everyone's cup of tea but if you like the sport-luxe look then these are a winner. Before ordering I spent a lot of time umming and arring. I really wasn't sure how I felt about them from simply viewing images online. It was only when I spotted them in Selfridges and tried them on in person that I was sold.

What do you think of this trend? Love or hate?

Psst... if you're thinking of ordering online consider going up a size. I literally always take a 4 or 4.5 but I needed a 5 in these. They run small. Oh and I can certainly vouch for Zalando. Superb web site, outstanding (and a tad overwhelming!) range with free shipping and free returns. Definitely a new favourite.

a cute new wash bag by sew lomax

Men's Wash Bag c/o Sew Lomax

I recently received this awesome embroidered wash bag and couldn't wait to share. It's actually designed for men but I picked it out for myself because I thought it was so unique and different. Hey, it even has a pink ribbon (removable) attached to the zip so I think I can get away with it! The design really attracted me; in particular the contact lens case and geeky glasses because that's me.

The bag itself is huge so at present I'm actually using it for all my go to hair products as a means to keeping them all together and separate. That way, if I have a night or weekend away I can grab it along with my hairdryer and straightening irons without having to think about what I need.

You should definitely take a look at the site girls - so many fun and quirky way to organise your stuff. They'd make such lovely gifts, especially the camera case, penny purse and perfume pouch. Can you tell I want them all?! 

p.s. when perusing the products you'll see a 'more bags' icon below each listing - this allows you to move on to the next design. It's not immediately clear so I wanted to point it out to be sure you can find all that's on offer. 

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something different - clarks yarra desert boots

Yarra Desert Boot in Walnut Suede c/o Clarks

When I was offered the opportunity to try out some shoes from Clarks I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to find anything suitable. Clarks isn't somewhere I've shopped since I was kitted out in school shoes. We're talking yonks ago. I came across the Yarra Desert Boot and was intrigued by the glowing reviews. That same week I noticed pictures of Rachel Bilson and Jennifer Garner wearing almost identical shoes and that swayed me. Granted, Jen is a fair bit older and a mum of three (not suggesting mums aren't cool! They are!) but Rachel Bilson is a similar age and has always been a bit of a fashion role model in my eyes. 

I think they're pretty cute! I like the height of the wedge heel. They're perfect for wearing all day long because comfort wise they're like nothing else I own. So comfy! Clarks do half sizes so I was able to get my ideal - UK 4.5 - and the fit is perfect. I'm looking forward to wearing these with bleached out jeans and my huge cream knitted cardigan - just right for casual weekends.

Have any of you shopped at Clarks as an adult? What do you think of the boots?

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celebrating spring ~ a short break to abersoch

Shoes I  packed: Joules Posh Welly / Dune Moroccos Brogue / Converse Dance

Sorry to continually talk about the weather but I'm British and that's what we do. In the depths of winter (wasn't it grim this year?) we booked a trip to Abersoch to look forward to. My boyfriend wanted to go in March but I stood my ground and said lets hold off until April because surely the weather will be glorious. Not so. I bet my British readers can guess which pair of shoes I got the most wear out of. Holidaying in Britain makes packing so difficult. I feel like you have to take a zillion options in the hope that one will work with the weather conditions.

This was my first time to Abersoch. Everyone in my area goes regularly and I wanted to see for myself what the attraction is. We had a relaxing time and the beaches are gorgeous for sure but I didn't find it all that inspiring. I judge a place on how many quirky, interesting things I discover to photograph. As you can tell from this post, there weren't all that many. I guess the beach alone (and some good restaurants) are enough of a draw for most people. Or else perhaps I didn't look hard enough?

Our cottage was delightful. Full to the brim with colour (bright red sofas and rainbow striped cushions) and littered with quaint seaside ornaments. Ironically, alongside photographs and art prints of Abersoch were masses of pictures of my favourite place in the UK - St Ives. Lovely to see but it sort of made me a little sad that I wasn't in St Ives. The cottage was so cosy that we spent most evenings there cooking up a storm followed by a film. Eating out was reserved for cooked breakfasts and fish and chips.

Have any of you been to Abersoch? Tell me what you love! I'm sure we'll go back so I'd love to hear your recommendations.

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a few new obsessions...

I was looking around for some pale jeans for summer and stumbled upon these - 'Jamie' by Topshop. When I tried them on in store I hadn't realised that they're 'ankle grazers' so was shocked when I pulled them on and looked like I was wearing my little sister's jeans! They were super short and not what I was looking for so back on the shop floor they went. Later that day I noticed the reviews on the Topshop web site. Most reviewers had bought them in the longest length so they'd fit like a normal jean. Back to the shop I went and tried on the 32" leg length (actual measurement is 29" inside leg after shrinkage from initial wash) which on my petite frame fit absolutely perfect. The fit is skinny (a little like a jegging) with a slightly high rise that completely banishes muffin top (yay!). They have all day stretch technology so I've found the fit to still be exactly the same as when I first tried them on (i.e. perfect!). I found the sizing to be slightly generous if anything. I'm typically a UK 8 but took the UK 6 (25" waist) in these. And what's a girl to do when she finds a pair of jeans that work? Buy a pair in every shade, of course.

I had no preconceptions when I received the Nourish Argan Skin Renew c/o Feel Unique but have absolutely loved using it. It's quite rich, without feeling too heavy, so has been useful on my dehydrated post-winter skin. It does seem to do what it claims (boost skin hydration levels) and it's very calming. I like to slather it on if I'm having a make-up free pamper day at home.

Ahhh, Origins. I love you so. I wanted to really give this selection of skin care products a good run of consistent daily use before sharing my thoughts but I'm eager to at least mention it to you all now. I'm using the Plantscription SPF 25 cream in the morning and the Perfect World serum before bed. The Clear Improvement mask is nothing short of sensational. It really works for me! So far so good - I'll keep you posted.

Essie 'Cute as a Button' - my new summer nail colour sorted! I adore this! It's a coral/watermelon in-your-face kind of colour for sun filled days. It just so pretty. Swatch to follow. 

Is anyone else as excited as I am that winter may actually be over?! I'm so happy to escape from hibernation, pull out my maxi dresses and store away my coats. I never feel like taking photographs when it's cold and grey but when it's bright it's all I want to do. I'm looking forward to getting back into it again. What are your current obsessions? Any cool finds to share with me?!

an easter present to remember

I didn't receive a single Easter Egg this year! Instead I was fortunate enough to receive a Mulberry Continental wallet. It was a huge surprise and I absolutely love it. The colour is 'oak'. Now I just need to purchase some kind of leather protector. Any tips on keeping Mulberry leather in good nick?

I hope you all had a very happy Easter. I've used it as an excuse to eat far too much chocolate and have developed a worrying addiction to Mini Eggs. I even scoured a couple of shops this morning to see if I could find any but they're no longer on sale. Cruel!

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what's in my bag?

Just a quick look at 'what's in my bag'. I haven't done one of these posts for such a long time and always love reading them on other blogs. I was so over all the black, grey and brown that I've been wearing throughout winter that I bought this green bag from Topshop on a whim. It's not my usual style but I like the size and as it was inexpensive I'm not concerned if I get bored of the colour quickly. It has a long strap so that it can be worn across body.

Everything else: wallet, Topshop /  leather gloves, Topshop (old) / Filofax Personal Domino (info here) / Cath Kidston phone case / Soap & Glory make up bag (old) / Neutrogena unscented hand cream / Revlon Lip Butter / Balmi Lip Balm / Liz Earle Powder Foundation

If you've done one of these posts recently please leave your link in the comments section!

four of the best > kindle cases

Here are a handful of my favourite Kindle cases. This was a reader request following on from four of the best iPad cases and DSLR camera bags.When choosing a case for your Kindle be sure to check it's the correct size as Kindles now come in different sizes.

#1 So girly! £17 - buy here
#2 Beautiful leather in a choice of colours for £30.99. This has amazing reviews. Buy here.
#3 I liked the clasp detail on this. £29 - buy here.
#4 I'm a sucker for anything with a chevron! Cute and simple (£19.85) - buy here.

I've shied away from owning a kindle for so long but recently I've been toying with the idea more and more and wonder if I should subtly drop a hint before my birthday this year. I'm such a lover of books - we have a huge bookcase packed full to the brim that's nestled on our landing. There are more boxes full stored away in the loft. I think it's the space books take up that has me thinking I can't continue to buy them (as much as I love them)! We simply don't have the space. What are your thoughts on the Kindle? Isn't there a Kindle app on the iPad mini? Would it make more sense to buy that?

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