Pretty Spring Things

Hello!

I thought I'd put together a little post with some lovely new bits I've acquired recently. Spring is 'in with the new' (I definitely need to have a sort out for the 'old with the old' bit!) and it's nice to have a change up. In this post I talk about a beautiful new lingerie set (always a nice pick-me-up) and some cute house things.

Elle Macpherson Intimates Set at Bras & Honey

Recently I've been loving this gorgeous Elle Macpherson Intimates set from Bras & Honey*. Bras & Honey are an online lingerie and swimwear retailer who are known for specialising in larger cup sizes - though they cater for pretty much anybody!

They stock a great range of brands like Freya, Curvy Kate and of course - Elle Macpherson Intimates.

Elle Macpherson Dune Sunflower Longline Bra and Brief - Bras & Honey*

I chose this beautiful 'Dune Sunflower' lace set. I was taken with the bra as I love longline styles; I really like the contrast of the black satin with the delicate lace cups.

This set features pretty black lace in a repeat sunflower pattern, layered over a camel coloured backing. It's a really classic and wearable combination.

I was really impressed with Bras & Honey's customer service. My usual bra size was out of stock, however after chatting to one of the girls at B&H, I followed her suggestion of going up a cup size and it fits perfectly! She told me that Elle Macpherson styles, like many Australian brands, come up slightly small.

Flamingo Gifts

Flamingo Gifts is an amazing destination for quirky presents and gorgeous things for the home. Flamingo Gifts are probably best known for their jar candles in a diverse range of scents and the cute flamingo motif on the front.

They however have much more than candles! The website is split into some great gift guide sections; whether it's for your mum, friend, boyfriend or grandma - there's a selection of perfect gifts!

Here's what I chose.

Paddy the Fox cushion - Flamingo Gifts*

Flamingo Raspberry & Salted Caramel Candle - Flamingo Gifts*

Ted Baker Purple Brogue Notebook - Flamingo Gifts*

I'm so pleased with these things! The fox cushion caught my eye first (naturally) and it now has pride of place in the middle of my sofa. This particular one is out of stock at the moment but they have two more versions in different colours and prints.

I just had to try one of the flamingo candles. They have so many scents, it was really difficult to choose one. I chose the raspberry & salted caramel for the colouring as well as the flavour and I'm really impressed with it. The scent is really sweet and stays in the room for ages after the candle has gone out. I can't wait to try more of these.

The notebook is a great example of the brands that Flamingo Gifts stock. They have a huge range of Ted Baker stuff - from laptop sleeves to manicure kits. I've wanted to get an extra nice notebook for ages to write down ideas for my blog and plan posts; this is perfect and really beautiful for spring with the floral prints inside.


What new things are you coveting this spring?

Oh Velvet!

The title is for my Birmingham readers by the way- it alludes to a bar on Broad Street of the same name. My last memory of being in there was of me dressed as an alien for a themed bar crawl, staggering around half blind after drunkenly attempting to stick my big blue glittery falsies back down and inadvertently glueing an eye together. Ohhh velvet...

Anyway, enough of my misfortunes. I want to talk about velvet- the fabric that is. I'm dying to wear some this season, teamed with something black and lacey.

On the train back to Yorkshireland, I was reading Marie Claire's September issue (swiped from our neighbours on holiday by two of my, very naughty, friends) and looked like a bit of a lune to be perfectly honest as a had a bit of a chuckle to myself.

I was reading Anna Pursglove's account of this year's Autumn/Winter, entitled 'The Season Your Boyfriend Just Won't Get'. I laughed because it's so true, especially in my case (my man hasn't yet got his head around the concept of leggings- "so, you can wear them as trousers sort of? Aren't they like tights?")

This season, it's all about massive chunky knits, tweed and an overload of fur- a far cry from last year's thigh high boots and body con.

 Knitwear at D&G (trimmed with yet more fur)

Country chic at Rag & Bone

 Fur at Chanel

What a difference a year makes: Prada A/W 09

In the words of Ms.Pursglove, we seem to be in "the season that sex forgot". But all is not lost.

I'll be going all vamp at night. Lace, leather and velvet have made a few appearances- the indulgent fabrics are usually in there somewhere at this time of the year.

Ralph Lauren had some great velvet bits in my new favourite colour, like, ever. This vampy red colour:

Lace was big at Christopher Kane. I really like the little collars his stuff had going on too.

Givenchy's lace pieces were sexy too- no doubt about that.

So there you have it. Some hope for looking hot this winter! My inspiration? 

Morticia Adams- arguably the best vamp of all time

I can't find much velvet on the high street yet, Topshop haven't delivered the goods. Have you seen any great pieces? 

I think velvet might be a surprise thrift winner though. Velvet's had its moments in past years; I once had a bright orange velvet shirt in the 90s, no word of a lie. Old velvet clothing is usually pretty unwanted- most people think it's dated. I'll let you know if you find anything.

As for the lace, Topshop has redeemed itself as these are now on my shopping list:

Lace bandeau body, £20

Mesh and lace skirt, £20

I'm not sure how on earth I'd wear the skirt though, I'm not really partial to flashing my rear in public. Maybe some sequin hotpants?

Happy shopping x