Work It Out: Lace

On Friday my fiance and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary! Since I had to go straight from work to play (pre-theatre dinner at The Balcon followed by Viva Forever) I did make a little bit of effort to make my outfit less boardroom boring, while still being office appropriate. I decided to pair a a feminine, form fitting lace dress with a more formal structured peplum jacket.

 Lace dress: French Connection, Peplum jacket: LK Bennett.

I also blow dried my hair using the Babyliss Big Hair in a side swoop, giving my hair a little more volume and bounce.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend! xxx

OOTD: Leather Peplum

Although the peplum trend is now somewhat overdone I still have a few pieces that I am very hesitant to move to the back of the wardrobe. For a curvy girl peplums are just so flattering, while they give athletic figures a feminine shape, making them easy to wear and extremely versatile.

I love the leather pleating of this peplum jacket as it creates volume, while accentuating your waist. I paired mine with a midi tube dress from ASOS to play up the proportions.

There are so many ways of wearing peplum, and I can't think of a bigger fan than Miss Kardashian...

Are you a fan of peplum? How do you wear yours? xxx

Things I am currently loving!

With work, exam revision, a videoshoot to prepare for and a wedding this weekend I am desperately trying to get some blog posts up for you guys in between! However, with time falling short I thought I would do a little favourites post of things I am currently loving.

Carmex Moisture Plus Lipbalm (£4.49)

This lipbalm is inexpensive and easy to use while on the go. It gives lips a glossy finish with a hint of colour and a shot of moisture. It also has vitamin E and SPF 15 to protect the lips and keep them soft. Yum!

Rituals Under a Fig Tree Fragrance Sticks (£21.50)

I am not usually a lover of fig scents, but these fragrance sticks give the room a subtle wonderfully delicious, juicy fragrance that is fresh and comforting all at once.

Jo Malone Rosewater and Vanilla Cologne Intense (£95)

This fragrance is probably an acquired taste, but I am completely obsessed with it. Rose Water and comforting vanilla are enriched with a succulent bite of rose loukoum. 'A tempting and addictive fragrance'... they certainly got the addictive part right, though given the price tag I won't be bathing in it anytime soon!

Philip B Oud Royal Shampoo and Conditioner

This is an intensive hydrating duo that leaves my hair silky soft, smooth, light and buoyant. Once again given the price tag I only use this once a week or as a treat, but you can definitely see the difference even after just one wash.

Peplums

I absolutely adore peplums and am keeping my fingers crossed that they never go out of style as I have purchased numerous tops, dresses, jumpers and jackets with peplum detailing. It's extremely flattering, easy to wear and gives that amazing exaggerated waist silhouette that I lust after. However, if you are feeling a little hesitant about diving into this trend I highly recommend checking out this nifty little leather peplum belt that will look beautiful teamed with... well anything!

Hobbs Marissa Peplum Belt (£99)

Zaggora Hot Pants (£50)

I was recently sent a pair of Zaggoras to try and they have become a workout staple, so much so that they are making tri-weekly turns in the washing machine. I can't comment on their exact weightloss properties, but they sure do make you sweat (in places I didn't know I could). They are great to wear when doing aerobic exercise and are flexible and comfortable enough to join you on a run, cycle or even dance class. They are a little pricey, but having worn both the viva and original hot pants styles I can equally recommend both. Personally I think the shorter style is just as good and is a more purse friendly £30 here.

Denman Be-Bop Massage Brush (£2.87)

I love my tangle teezer, but sometimes my hair is so knotty that I lose patience. After discovering this amazing little brush from Denman that can be used in the shower I have cut minutes from my routine, and not just any minutes... tangled, frustrating minutes of pain. There are lots of ways to use this little beauty, but my preference is to run it through my hair while I'm rinsing out the conditioner. This makes detangling an absoute breeze for kids and big kids alike ;).

What are the products you are currently loving? I would love to know! xxx

OOTD: Peplum Tropics

Printed trousers is a trend that I have admired over the last few months, but have not been brave enough to attempt. Even though I am tall my thighs are definitely an area I struggle with and usually try to conceal by wearing darker colours and skirts or dresses rather than trousers. However, after seeing these trousers on a host of celebs and fashionistas I decided that I would put my insecurities aside and see if I could work the trend for my shape. I chose a large, colourful print and purchased a size up to ensure that the fit would be looser giving the appearance of a 'straight' rather than 'slim' cut.
I also paired the trousers with a plain flared peplum top to balance out the narrow fit.

 Top: Zara (£29.99 here), Trousers: Zara (£39.99 here), Belt: Reiss, Shoes: LA Boutique, Sunglasses: Prada.

Other printed trousers I have had my eye on are:

ASOS Crop Trousers In Floral Print

£40.00

 

Warehouse Eastern Tropic Trouser

£38.00

 

ASOS Skinny Trousers in Floral Print

£35.00

 

Sportmax floral print cigarette trouser

£287

 Are you a fan of printed trousers? What do you think of this tropical version? xxx

OOTD: Fantasy Peplum

I do love a bit of peplum, so much so that I decided to double up on the trend. I have been eyeing up this Chanel-esque blazer in Zara for quite a while and am surprised by how well the shape fits with one of Zara's classic cream frill waisted tops. 

To toughen the look up and add some contrast I paired the super girlie top with my favourite black disco pants and some patent leather ankle boots.

 Fantasy blazer - Zara (£89.99 here), Peplum top - Zara (£29.99 here), Disco Pants - American Apparel (£70 here), Boots - Dorothy Perkins.

Are you a fan of the peplum shape? What do you wear yours with? I am yet to try it with a pencil skirt, but I am sure a 'work it out' post will follow when I finally do! xxx

Work It Out: Belgravia

My new favourite online dress retailer is The Pretty Dress Company. Their dresses are exquistitely feminine and classic making them the perfect choice for flattering work attire, as well as classy evening wear. My most recent purchase is the Belgravia dress in Navy (£89 here).

The stretchy material is super comfortable and I absolutely adore the peplum detailing, fishtail hem and the over exaggerated bow on the back. One thing I would say is a necessity when wearing this dress though is killer heels! I usually pair mine with either nude or navy.

Have you ever purchased anything from The Pretty Dress Company? What are your favourite styles? I can't decide on my next order as I am in love with the all!!! xxx