Sloane Chelsea Boots by Carvela Kurt Geiger

I first spotted these beauties being sported by a girl in Covent Garden. Her pair were in a dark burgundy and I absolutely fell in love with them. I even did a bit of minor stalking to get a better look at them. Anyway, I really didn't need a pair of boots, that was until I happened upon the very same pair whilst browsing in Kurt Geiger. It's times like this when I feel very lucky indeed to be living in London with such easy access to great shops. So, I'm faced with a dilemma; I want both the black and burgundy versions, but can only justify/afford one pair. Do I go for the sensible black version or the bold burgundy? Well for once reason won out and I plumped for the black. The burgundy looks gorgeous with black skinny jeans, but not so good with the floral print dresses I love. Now there are a lot of Chelsea boots on the market, but with their slim fit and brogue detailing these certainly have the edge for me. They add just a tad of city gent chic to any outfit.

The burgundy pair are currently on sale for £110 (originally £150) on the Kurt Geiger website.

Blueberry Muffins

I love to bake and used to lots, but of late I've sadly neglected my rather extensive collection of recipe books. So, I decided to brighten up a grey Sunday morning with some blueberry loveliness for breakfast inspired by the Hummingbird bakery berry muffins. I was out of muffin cases, so I resorted to the only other option, which was using baking parchment and I don't think I'll go back to cases. I used 6 inch squares firmly squished into my muffin tin and I think they turned out pretty well.

 Somehow I convinced myself that eating cake for breakfast rather than as an additional treat was virtuous; not so convincing in writing as it sounded in my head. They were yummy, note the past tense, all six devoured in one day, with a little help I might add.

Something Special

They're not fibbing either. Mac's Something Special Creamblend Blush really is rather good. This blush looked so pretty in the pan I was sure that it couldn't live up to my expectations once applied.

Not so. On the cheek it gives a beautiful blend of pink and peach, which is so flattering. The formula blends wonderfully using fingers, so there's no need to use brushes. Having fairly dewy, ok oily, skin I'm not a fan of super shiny cream blushes. This blush gives just a hint of sheen, which is perfect for me.

 

If you're looking for a natural toned blush this might not be for you. As for me, I love a bright cheek and this definitely hits the spot, without being too much. Having worn this blush consistently for the past few months, I have to say that it might just be my favourite.

Gilly Hicks

Yes this is a post about knickers, not something I generally talk about, but I really want to share a recent discovery with you and that is that Gilly Hicks do the most gorgeous knickers.

Every since my sister bought me a set of matching bra and knickers I've loved lingerie, but I have to admit that a comfort seeking nature often gets the better of me and day to day I'm more likely to be sporting a pair of plain white cotton knickers than anything special.  However, this doesn't stop me aspiring to better things, but comfort I will not compromise on. Many a time I've perused the lingerie departments to no avail and to be honest I'd resigned myself to plain white boringness.  My biggest irritation - knickers made of four pieces of fabric joined in a cross in the crotch. Ok so this is probably a TMI moment, but really, what are people thinking? This is the kind of thing that makes me angry along with side seams that dig in.

I recently went into the Regent Street Gilly Hicks store and I have to say it was a new shopping experience for me, somewhat reminiscent of being in a club, hot, crowded, dark and loud. Now I guess I might not really be selling this too you, but I have to say I really enjoyed the store.

 

 I wondered through chandeliered rooms decked with floor to ceiling draws filled with bras in every colour and tables covered with gorgeous lingerie. The knickers were just what I'd been looking for, feminine, floral, in an array of beautiful colours and most importantly comfortable. Rather than sexy or glamorous the designs are pretty and girly, so perfect for every day cuteness. 

 

I happily stumbled back out into the light on Regent street clutching a bag of loveliness feeling that, in my purchases, I might feel rather lovely myself.

17 Beehive

I have a new favourite lipstick and best of all it's a bargain at £4.59. 17's Beehive is perfect in just about every way. The creamy texture feels extremely moisturising and luxurious. My lips never feel dry with this product on. The beutifully subtle colour is also spot on, a lovely pinkie nude, that would flatter most, if not all, skin tones. The super silky texture and gentle sheen make this lipstick ideal for those who don't like to look like they've made an effort. This is the kind of lipstick that you can throw on without a mirror, smack your lips together and look instantly polished.

I have to say, that for everyday, I reach for this lipstick over Mac's Cremesheens, because it's so moisturising. Some might find the lack of scent disappointing, but this is actually a bonus for me. I find heavily scented lip products distracting. I like to forget I'm wearing makeup. I'll certainly be checking out the other colours in the Mirror Shine range.

Nude Perfection

I've been looking for the perfect nude heels for so long. It's a few years since they first emerged into the mainstream and on to the high street, yet their appeal hasn't faded. I suspect that we have Kate Middleton to thank for this. Kate sports the L.K. Bennett versions, which I have tried and was extremely relieved to find weren't at all comfortable.

There are numerous permutations on this modern classic including: platforms, open toes, sling backs etc. By far the most versatile, practical and most importantly stylish, in my opinion, is the class almond toed pump. This combination has been surprisingly difficult to find in a fit which is tolerably comfortable for my super sensitive feet. I certainly wasn't expecting my quest for the perfect nudies to end in TK Max. It was love at first sight when I spotted these Carvelas.

Another issue I've had with nudes heels is finding the right shade. I find the beige shades can be a little unflattering on paler legs like mine. These lovelies have a gorgeous taupe tinge which really complements fairer skin tones.

When I say these shoes are comfortable, I don't mean that I won't be in agony by the end of an evening wearing them, because I will. But, I don't anticipate gashed heels and blisters and for me that's about as good as it gets where heels are concerned.

My local TK Max quote a RRP of £100 and are selling them for£39.99, which is pretty amazing. I also got 10% off as there are a couple of scratches on one of the heels. It's always worth asking for a discount. All in all, I'm pretty chuffed and glad I waited for the perfect pair.

the by hudson Encke boot

Ahhh the joys of the perfect mid heel ankle boot! I need little encouragement to extol the virtues of this particular incarnation, the by hudson Encke multi sued buckle boot in tan.

Browsing in the shoe section of the Topshop website is a risky business. Not for the first time, I have fallen prey to the delights of their stylish range of footwear. I go on with the best of intentions, just to browse, not to buy anything. Inevitably a pair of boots catches my eye, I imagine myself wearing them, imagine pairing them with skinny jeans, that pretty summer dress that just needs a bit of edginess adding and the next thing I know I'm obsessing over said pair of boots. In this instance I took a strong line balking at the £150 price tag. That is, until I came face to face with this specimen of sartorial temptation in store. Predictably I promptly caved in. The fact that they were in the last chance to buy section forced my hand.

They remind me of the Russell and Bromley cowboy ankle boots that Sienna Miller made famous in 2009, which make a reappearance each season with a crippling price tag of £295 plus. So the by hudson beauties were a bargain really. Anyone smell self deception? Denial is bliss.

Supremely comfortable, with a low but flattering heel these are the perfect daywear ankle boot, gorgeous with just about anything. They will be a staple of my wardrobe through summer and winter.

Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25

It isn't easy to find a good non-shiny sunscreen at a reasonable price. Ok, so I know that living in the UK sun protectin might not seem like a priority, but even low levels of sun exposure can damage skin. Having tried some of the cheaper facial sunscreens without success, Clinique's City Block sheer SPF 25 Oil Free has been a revelation. At£16 it's amazing value for money.

In the summer I spent a week in Tuscany and this product really did do me proud. I'm prone to shine at the best of times, so anything that could keep the glow under control whilst negotiating Florence's packed streets deserves some serious praise. I applied this product each morning underneath my makeup and didn't reapply all day. My skin didn't burn at all and my foundation stayed put with the minimum of shine. I couldn't ask for more.

It is a non-chemical broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen designed to absorb excess oil and wick away sweat. The product has a slight beige hue, which doesn't show up on the skin, and it's suitable for all skin tones. Don't be deceived by the name, the consistency of this sunscreen is pretty thick, which I initially found a little off putting, but it blends so easily into the skin that this really isn't an issue. The non-chemical formulation is perfect for use around the eye area and for those with sensitive skin. For me this product works as both a SPF, moisturiser and a primer, which makes it pretty amazing in my book.

Loving lilac

Recently I've been attracted to all things lilac.

Lilac nail polish has become a long term love come obsession for me. The sheer variation of shades provides constant temptation. Revlon's recent offering, Charming, is the perfect blue toned lilac. Combine Charming with Topshop's lilac based glitter polish, Razzmatazz, and you have my idea of glittery heaven. Sophisticated it ain't, but I love it.

I absolutely adore lilac blossom. For me it's the scent of Spring, evoking happy memories of sunny days spent in the garden.

For times when the English weather is a little less cooperative and snuggling indoors is the order of the day, I have a back up, Lilac Blossoms by Yankee candle. This candle does a pretty good job of recreating the scent of lilac blossom, whilst not being overpowering.

Realising that my nails perfectly matched my novel certainly cheered me up on my morning commute. Though this might seem like an example of obsessive colour coordination, it was just a happy coincidence.

Oh and the book is fantastic too. Lilac blue is definitely my colour of the moment.