Easter gifting- made easy!

I love Easter- Chocolate, family and an unhealthy worshiping of  bunnies. In our family, its tradition for have personalised eggs and Lindt bunnies (mum and I have already done a mad Lindt shop; big bunnies, small bunnies, mini eggs). 

My mum always has an Easter tree with gold branches and colourful eggs decorating it. She also has Easter bunting (she has bunting for every occasion).  Finishing touches make the weekend so special. 

Snug as a bug...

Its freezing, drizzly and miserable! I want to hibernate but the second best thing to do is wrap up in angora, and dream of spring!

Cardigan- Reiss.

Skinny jeans- Topshop.

Pumps- Instant Vintage. 

Bag- Roundabouts. 

Instant Vintage @ The Bath Rag.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of styling a fashion show on behalf of Instant Vintage for the Bath Rag! Its an annual charity event organised by the students of university of Bath and was held in the beautiful assembly rooms in Bath (Jane Austen fans will know this building well!)

 Its the first fashion show I've ever styled by myself (a tad daunting, but very exciting), and I got to sit front row and watch it (there is nothing better than sitting front row!). My colleague sadly couldn't come so I asked Zach to come- it seemed only right his first (and possibly last) fashion show was so poignant! I sincerely hope I get to style many more in the future! 

Tangerine dream...

As you know, I went to Frome last week. I picked up this dreamy satchel and I couldn't be happier! Its a leather bag from Morocco and it looks like its from the 1970s. I love the colour and it has so much room in it! Its still chilly here so I've got layer upon layer on and not a chance of wearing pumps...I'm so depressed! 

Blazer- Instant Vintage.

Scarf- Topshop.

Top-  Instant Vintage.

Jeans- Topshop.

Boots- M&S.

Bag- Roundabouts. 

Shopping guide: Frome, Somerset.

Bohémien...

Forget black- my obsession is white (my brother often greets me with 'when's the wedding?'), preferably with lace. It goes with everything and even though I'm incredibly pale at the moment, it still doesn't wash me out.

Coat- A charity shop (buttons my own).

Scarf- A street stall in Rome. 

Lace tunic- Instant Vintage.

Lace dress- Instant Vintage.

Boots- Russel and Bromley.

Bag- My Grandmothers. 

White or black? Which is your favorite?

Nothing quite like an Irish Stew...

By no means do I consider myself Irish- but given my Grandpe being from Northern Ireland, I'm partial to Irish occasions.
He always insisted I was typically Irish- saying I had a sensitive soul- and I'm stupidly sentimental (I can't throw away subway/tube/U-bahn etc tickets from city breaks)...

But when mum and I traveled to meet our Irish family, I felt my Irish roots for the first time since my grandpe died....

Last Saturday  we had an early celebration with stew (my dad makes THE BEST stew. Beef with veg and adds in olives...) .

Stew is best served with mustard mash and a glass of wine!

I'd give you the recipe but my dad changes it every time he makes it, by adding different things in. It seems to get better each time and I can never quite make it the way my dad does. Its worth the journey to their house just for the food!

Happy St. Patrick's day!

St patrick's day outfit.

One of my favorite style books is 'Parisian Chic' and it teaches how to mix things up- A dress with pumps and a satchel for examples.

As much as it would be fun to dress up for St Paddy's- it just wouldn't work. Stew, Guinness  live bands, and friends. Jeans, a tee, boots and a accent of emerald is perfect. Just add sparkle to dress it up!

St patrick's day. by houseofswoon 

Red Nose Day...

Red nose day is about doing something funny for money, in order to raise funds to help the less fortunate in Africa and here in the UK. Its always a massive event- both on TV and in schools, homes and businesses  The TV shows are both  hilariously entertaining and heartbreaking- watching them makes you realise how lucky you are.

When I was a child- it was as big then as it is now. At school we had 'wacky hair day' (consisted on putting my fringe in a pony tail on my head- Its more temping than I care to admit...) and always wore the red rubber noses (that would sell out and we'd have to drive to every supermarket in the area until we found them...).

But one year in particular I will never forget...Watching the RND evening shows and It showed all the ill african children. My brother and I were young and we were both crying watching it. And then my brother asked my mum and dad to call in and donate money- as much as they could afford as well as what they would have spent on his birthday. He didn't want presents, he just wanted to solve world hunger. A high achiever from the start! I've never been prouder of him...

So please donate if you can. However small. Buy a t-shirt like this one and help those in need.

Get your T-shirt or donate here.

Mother's day: An oppotunity to spoil your mum silly!

Mother's day didn't get off to a great start! A stressful Saturday at work followed by her present getting lost in the post (cheers Yodel!)- But my mum being the prozac soaked mellow lady that she is didn't mind. I found a way to spoil her anyway. 

Sunday morning: Alarm set for 7. Coco and I woke up- had a coffee in the garden while she stretched her legs and then we blitzed the kitchen after the meal and drinks the night before. I say we....it was largely me. 

Although I will admit, Coco did move while I swept up rather than going for the broom like she usual does.

My mum woke up early and so I ran over to Waitrose and got her some beautiful flowers, pan au chocolate and a cappuccino. 

Then we saw my grandma (who is still very sick) and seeing coco brought such a smile to her face. Its times like these when you see how amazing dogs are with the vulnerable. She's very caring. 

 And we went to Shearwater for a dog walk..Followed by a delicious lunch in bath.

Emotional Rec....

I protest! The wind and my fringe are not friends- they never will be. This results in my life currently consisting on me grunting all the way around bath- whenever the wind blows, my straightened hair becomes somewhat unruly and I lose my temper...

Today's picture is no exception- See the gritted teeth and the damnyoubangs look on my face.

But then I remember my beautiful city- and that pictures, no matter how ruined by the wind, looks stunning in any weather. Today's picture is taken by the river weir  just looking over to the bath Rec. I'm not a massive rugby fan myself but I always make an exception for Bath....

Jacket- Monsoon.

Scarf- Instant Vintage.

Jumper- Instant Vintage. 

Belt- Dorothy Perkins.

Skinny jeans- Topshop.

Pumps- Dorothy Perkins.

This week I have received such wonderful news. I can't share it yet (don't hate me!) but I cried when I heard it...all I'll say is its nice to seeing a loved one having their dreams come true. 

Coco's corner: These are a few of my favourite things..

So darlings, I've recently turned one so I'm starting my career as a doggy blogger. I thought I would start with telling you all about my favorite things...

My cupcake bed and piggy chew toy 

My birthday bow which I'm still wearing...I don't know why the family put me on the chair though...doggy pals have mentioned they get shouted at when they sit on a chair...

Walking around Sher water. It clear my mind (I get stressed thinking about all the toys and the little time I have to play with them) and allows me to enjoy time with the family!

Until next month, humans! XxX

Sleepy Monday...

Excuse my tired eyes this morning (and looking back at the outfit- excuse that also!), I'm still trying to jugle just a tad more than I can handle, but only occasionally does it show as clearly on my face...Not to mention the sunny squint and the wind causing my eyes to water....Oh yes and its FREEZING once again....Sad face.

Horrific. Early bed tonight I think....

Coat- Customised via a charity shop

Dress- Instant Vintage.

Scarf- Lisbeth Dahl.

Skirt- Instant Vintage.

Boots- M&S.

Bag- Mulberry. 

Happy Mother's Day...

Here's to my mum. I get my smile, temper, work ethic and mild shopping addiction from this woman. We shop till we drop, both know every line in Titanic (have done since it came out- and can't help but recite it when watching it) and both realise I am her mini me. We;re ok with it...

This mother's day will be my first with my mum for years as I'm usually working- We celebrate around it, but its not the same so mother's day this year will be extra special.

Happy Mother's day to the best mum in the world!

Cosy club in stormy weather...

Rain has finally descended on Bath Town and I've almost forgotten what it was like...It almost feels like April showers. 

I have my trusty umbrella and as the weather is mild at the moment, the denim jacket has made its 2013 debut. Spring, come on! 

Umbrella- Instant Vintage.

Jacket- Peacocks.

Snood- Dorothy Perkins.

Jumper- Ralph Lauren.

Bag- Mulberry.

Trousers- Gap.

Boots-Russel and Bromley.

Rumor has it the weather is set to get colder....Give me strength....

Best Beauty Buy....

A couple of years ago, a friend got me a bag of L'occitane products for my birthday. I've been hooked ever since...

One of my must have items is the Shea butter hand cream. I have a big tube at home, a small at work and a teeny one that I carry in my bag! It smells divine, has pretty packaging and I always get told how soft my hands are. Get it here

Whats your favorite hand cream? Does it beat this one? Let me know.

Mother's day...

With mother's day looming this Sunday, this gift guide should make the buying nice and easy! 

Simples.

Sometimes you just have to keep your look simple. A chic jumper, skinny jeans, a pair of boots and a statement scarf.

Today this was me:

Jumper- Instant Vintage

Top- Instant Vintage.

Scarf- Instant Vintage.

Jeans- Topshop.

Boots- Kurt Geiger. 

Bag- Mulberry. 

Yoga chic

Since joining the gym a month ago I've been taking full advantage on all that's on offer. Swimming, Sauna, steam, Gym and classes. My favourite class so far is Yoga. Mainly because its a challenge  I am so un-flexible!

I also love that your bare footed and wear leggings and a baggy tee. Much more fashionable than the gym, plus it helps you relax and un-wind- a much need skill!

Yoga chic by houseofswoon featuring round toe boots

Vintage Mexican Rug Skirt- I Choose you!

I was recently browsing a vintage shop, and as usual, loved everything. But the second I saw this skirt...I had to have it. Its so unusual, and the pattern just grabbed me. I love quirky things. 

However. When I got it home, I couldn't make it work! The length felt all wrong and heavy wool, so couldn't put it will heels in the summer. But after many a night working on it...I decided to take it for a trip down Boho Lane....

Jacket- F&F @ Tesco.

Scarf- A Present from my Best friend.

Gilet- Coco's. (the shop not our dog!)

Top- Instant Vintage.

Skirt- Vintage.

Boots- M&S.

Bag- Urban outfitters. 

Just to confirm my love for this skirt...it swirls as I walk down the street. Oh I've fallen head over heels!