TEE-ING OFF CHRISTMAS AT WENTWORTH

Hello!

Every year we are lucky enough to be treated to the most delicious Christmas buffet at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey by my Grandparents. 

This year was no exception and the food was superb. The displays are spectacular  and the range of food is one not to be rivaled. 

I focused mainly on the dessert table as that is my favourite part of the meal! Their sticky toffee pudding is the best I have ever eaten in my life - I don't even order it anywhere else it's that good! There is a standing joke that the first thing the grandchildren do is check to see if it's out (we still do this every year!). 

(Gingerbread mini village.)

The room is filled with Christmas scents, the whole club is packed out with families enjoying their Pre-Christmas celebrations,  and frivolity is all around. Half way through the meal we are treated to several carols by a wonderful choir and a magician that invokes the whole family and makes everyone laugh! 

It's lovely to spend time together as a family enjoying delicious food swapping presents and anecdotes since we last met, it's something we all always look forward to and being invited to the club is a real treat.

I stuck to pinks and silvers for my makeup I wanted something subtle that could take me from day to night but also with a bit of sparkle! Silver and golds make me feel festive and in a celebratory mood.

I recently came across a website called Sheinside.com that sells clothes at discounted prices - they come from china so the delivery time is about three weeks but the prices and the clothes seemed great. (Although out of two dresses and a coat I was only really taken with this particular dress, the other two items are OK).

So anywhere here is the dress - please excuse the photo I had been travelling for quite a whole therefore it is creased and there is a lot of clutter in the background of the photo but you get the jist!

I love the shape it's really flattering, is made of a really thick cotton with a jacquard print embellishment. I love the simplicity of this dress, it's so pretty and versatile. Very pleased! 

I paired it with thick black silky tights and a pair of black suede wedge ankle boots from stylist pick.com a year ago. 

Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of the family together - we were enjoying ourselves too much!

I hope you are enjoying your pre Christmas celebrations! Looking forward to many more 😊

Nicola x

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH PEDRO MIRALLES

Although the title may imply it to some; this is not confession hour and I have not actually had a love affair with a man called Pedro Miralles!

Pedro Miralles is a superbly crafted, expertly sourced Spanish footwear brand that I have recently discovered through my many trips to Hoad Shoes in Sevenoaks, Kent. Having incredibly narrow feet (standard is a 'D' width, I am a 'B') and being in the age that we are where the normal is now average to wide I really struggle finding shoes that don't slip on the heel - que numerous distressing shopping trips and trying on sessions! As you can imagine, discovering the beautiful collection by Pedro Miralles and trying on the superb selection and them ACTUALLY FITTING oh my heart skipped a beat!

(Just a note - although I have always struggled to find shoes that fit, if you looked in my shoe collection you would have trouble believing my claim!)

So far I have acquired three beautifully made pairs of Pedro Miralles shoes (all pictured below).

Say hello to my first pair of Pedro's - patent camel pumps with gold buckle detail. To me these scream sophistication - a classic cut with slightly more heel than you would expect from an every day pump make these perfect for dressier occasions, work or casual events. 

Number two - a fabulous sale purchase (if I do say so myself!) again another classic model black patent court shoes. The almond toe shape, thick platform and patent finish make these a timeless piece of footwear beauty.

Pair number three - coral sling back pumps. Once again the gold detailing, Cuban style heel and contrast stitching to the upper create a stylish and (I'm going to say it again) beautiful looking shoe.

My love for Pedro Miralles shoes began with the fact that they are a perfect fit for me but really took off with the attention to detail and classic styles which are transformed from your generic every day shoe with the addition of perfectly chosen colour palettes, material finishes and interesting trims. 

Next up on my Pedro Miralles lust list are these stunning burgundy knee high heeled boots and the black loafer-esq pumps.

I love the deep rich tone of this boot would look utterly fabulous for an evening alternative to court shoes; the finish of the leather ensures this boot doesn't dress down any outfit ensemble.

I love a classic loafer/moccasin style (who doesn't?!)  these are loosely based around them keeping elements such as the tassel and toe shape but dress it up by adding the contrast patent block heel and rich suede uppers. 

I think Pedro and I will have a lasting relationship although I believe my bank account will protest profusely!

O HEAR US WHEN WE CRY TO THEE FOR THOSE IN PERIL ON THE SEA; A MEMORIAL

Hi Lovelies!

This weekend my step dad had the honour of being asked to lay a wreath at the Sub-Mariners Memorial service in London; and we were asked to accompany him. 

The Sub-Mariners memorial service remembers all of those brave soldiers that have been lost at sea; this memorial service is always on the Sunday preceding Remembrance Sunday. 

The service began with the Sub-Mariners band playing while the sailors, admirals and others marched towards the memorial wall. 

All the spectators were dressed in black with their Poppy's showing in all their glory against a dark canvas. Ex sub-mariners and current alike were wearing their uniforms which was really lovely to see, so many people there to remember their comrades from all the wars before now. 

Before the memorial started we boarded the HMS President and saw the beautiful views of London - the weather was perfect a crisp, dry day with gorgeous sunshine. 

The service went on for 1 hour and included the naval prayer which can be found here and the naval hymn which can be found in the same place (the title is a line from the hymn, I thought it was very relevant but so poignant). 

As for what I wore; I kept my make-up really neutral for the day going with bronze/brown eyes, neutral lips and pale pink blusher with a white icy tone. 

As I mentioned before we all wore black out of respect I wore a black textured pencil skirt from New Look (similar here) and a thick black jumper (I really feel the cold!) with black suede wedge ankle boots (old from stylistpick.com).

Unfortunately my phone ran out of battery before I could photograph the wreaths but I will upload the ones my sister got soon. The service was beautiful and a fantastic tribute to those lost and those still fighting. To find out more about the Sub-Mariners please click here. 

Have you ever been to a memorial service like this? What did you think? What did you wear?!

Nicola x 

MY FLORIDA DIARIES: FASHION EDIT

Hi Lovelies!

Here is a quick post on my holiday outfits, I kept to floaty materials and dresses and little shorts and chiffon cami's as it was so hot in America. 

Coral and White Lace Midi Dress (holiday bargain)

Floral Maxi Dress, Tesco Sale £4

Aztec Print Maxi Dress, Primark £13

Black Chiffon Cami, H&M £12

Green Mini Shorts, Zara £12 Sale

Burgundy Chiffon Capri, Primark £5

White Tulip Skirt, Boohoo £12

White and Black Trimmed Chiffon Cami, Primark £5

Burgundy Denim Cut Offs, New Look Sale £8

White Strappy, Primark £2

Spotty High Waisted Shorts, Forever21

Black Strappy, Primark £2

Tulip Skirt as above

Top as above

Aztec Print Shorts, eBay

Supporting my team the Tampa Bay Rays! Old Navy $19.99

What are your holiday wardrobe staples?

xx

A COMIC BOOK WEDDING

Hello Lovelies!

At the weekend I went to my cousin's wedding in Whitstable - a lovely little seaside town littered with small independent shops and souvenirs. My cousin and his bride are massive comic book fans and therefore based their wedding around this theme - they did it in such a cute and subtle way with decorations such as comic book bunting and individual papers flowers made out of comic book pages in each of the bouquets.

After a last minute trip to Bluewater and a few 'oh my gosh what am I going to wear' moments I settled on this gorgeous spliced flower print maxi dress from Topshop which was amazingly in the sale for £18! Only one in store my size - fate! I paired it with a top knot with pink flower head band from Primark, gold and black Aztec inspired earrings also from Primark, the most comfortable cream canvas wedges from New Look that I bought inthe summer (not available online any more) and my Nanny's classic black handbag and gold chain necklace that I used as a bracelet. (My gorgeous Nanny passed away two years ago and all the women in the family took one of her handbags so she could be there with us =).)

I kept my makeup very simple with neutral eyes using my new MUA palette, Clinique blush and a Wet and Wild pink lipstick, below is the finished look.

The bride and groom both wore comic book inspired converse continuing the theme into the reception with a personalised comic book sweetie corner, comic book wedding cake made by one of the guests and a polaroid camera with costumes to dress up and personalise your page in the guest book. The theme was subtle but done very well running along side a shabby chic element with lace table runners and white wooden lanterns. The wedding was inform and so much fun, below are some pictures from the day.

The Groom showing off his Aqua Man Converse Hi-tops.

The Brides footwear - paired with super cute and fashionable lace ankle socks.

The back of the dress, pleats, lace, diamonds all in an elegant a-line cut with a short double layered veil scattered with jewels. Stunning.

The cake with the Groom as Aqua Man bursting through the top to save his Bride!

I have to mention the gift we got them as I think it is so cute and the company I bought from are fab! Alphabet photography is relatively new but incredibly expensive, after a lot of research I came across Grace and David's website http://alphabetphotodesign.co.uk/. The price is much more reasonable compared to other sites and the service is first class, check them out for special occasions =)

I always struggle with a winter wedding worried that I'm going to be too cold - it took me such a long time to find a suitably warm and pretty outfit that wasn't black!

So what do you think? What would you wear for a winter wedding?

Nicola x

MIDI AZTEC PRINT SKIRT: FASHION DIARIES

What I wore last night - absolutely loving midi skirts at the moment got this gorgeous one from prettylittlething.com for £10!! The print makes me feel summery - Love it! Paired it with a plain black peplum from newlook.com to add some shape and a gold necklace also from Newlook. Shoved my hair up into a huge bun to make the outfit look more polished and wore simple cream wedges again from newlook.

How do you wear your midi skirts? Would love to see some pictures!

A DAY IN LONDON: OXFORD STREET THRILLS

As a very late birthday present I was treated to cream tea at Cafe Liberty (http://www.liberty.co.uk/BarsandRestaurants/article/fcp-content) for a late birthday present. We turned up at midday, completely in awe of the Liberty building (I am ashamed to say I have never stepped foot in this beautiful monument) only to be told that afternoon tea isn’t served until after 3pm as the scones are made fresh on site. Well if that wasn’t an invite to hit the sales while we waited for the scones to cook then I don’t know what is!

Walking back down towards Oxford Circus we hit Topshop first - actually only to try their frozen yogurt (this particular friend and I are OBSESSED with frozen yogurt). Next we walked towards the huge Primark only to be stopped dead in our tracks as soon as we saw the sale sign in Zara. Zara is one of my most favourite shops but I don’t often allow myself in there for the fear of buying the entire store. However I do allow myself the treat of their sales, their discounts are incredible even from day one of the sale and to be honest I just couldn’t resist! 

So here is what I bought - two gorgeous pairs of high waisted shorts one slightly shorter than I would usually dare go but with the imminence of my holiday to America I thought I’d be brave and take the plunge, and for £15 I justified I’d be silly not too, right?! I also bought a navy blue jersey maxi dress with a key hole front, beading detail around the spaghetti straps and a tie waist. Usually all of these aspects on a dress along with the high neckline would be a massive no no to me but I was drawn in by the uniqueness of this dress, and once trying it on at home I did not regret my last minute addition to my basket! (Please excuse my messy bedroom in the background of this pic!)

Note: Here is the maxi dress in white online http://www.zara.com/uk/en/trf/dresses/strappy-long-dress-with-beading-c436593p1199000.html

Returning to Liberty’s for cream tea was definitely worth the wait. The home made scones were perfection, we got two each with clotted cream and the real star of the ensemble the homemade strawberry jam. I chose Mango Madness tea which is a black tea with dried mango pieces and Rhiannon chose one of the classics - Earl Grey; I love all types of tea and love trying new flavours so was very happy with my fruity explosion. I would definitely recommend cream tea at Cafe Liberty, the cafe itself was gorgeous, a quaint little room on the second floor decorated with gorgeous little pieces available to buy instore and each table had a different set of salt and pepper shakers (my favourite being the tea pot set, naturally). So here are a few photos of our wonderful experience there, a real birthday treat!