Roman Holiday ... what's in my suitcase?

At last I am on holiday ...!

After the busiest few weeks ever in work, it's now time to unwind.  Of course, my holidays had to start with me getting a stinking cold, oh joy!  However, I still have time to try and recover in time for my trip to Rome tomorrow.

The only downside to this Roman holiday is that we point blank refused to pay the budget airline any extra for checking in luggage.  I mean, come on ... £50 to check in 15kg? You are having a laugh.

My scrooge-like wisdom has left me with the problem of squeezing in all I need for 4 days and nights into a neat and compact 10kg bag.

Rome at this time of year is still fairly warm with the nights a little cooler.  The plan was to pack a few pairs of shorts and tops for daytime but again, me and my silly ideas .... after a ruthless wardrobe detox, I have managed to throw out all my 'city appropriate' shorts! TUT!  Aah I could kick myself.  That's what happens when summer decides to not show up in Scotland!

I have tried to create a capsule wardrobe, sticking with a colour scheme of mainly blue and black that can be mixed and matched as I see fit.  Some grainy pics below will give you an idea of what I am going for ...

L-R: Blue H&M blouse; H&M vest; cream Primark blouse; Black Zara shoulder pad top

L-R: Warehouse floral trousers; H&M graphic trousers; Warehouse Maxi skirt; Reiss pleated dress

L-R: Marc by Marc Jacobs flip flops; Reiss wedge boots;Topshop wedge sneakers

Accessories:  Raybans, pashmina, sunhat, mango clutch, necklace, cuffs, glasses

L-R: Mango blazer; Esprit leather jacket

All this and I am still under 10kg ... JUST.  It is do-able after all!  Even my make up bag is severely pared down with some foundation samples, eyeliner, bronzer, blush and red lippie. 

All that is left now is to do a little reading on what is sure to be a wonderful city and make sure to pack my camera.  

Next time you hear from me, I will have eaten my weight in pizza and will be cultured out of my nut with any luck ;) 

Wild About Beauty

Last week I went along to the Debenhams autumn/winter press launch in Glasgow.

Debenhams always put on a lovely spread for their guests and they are great at showcasing the talent from their store with the likes of Henry Holland, Pearce Fionda, Betty Jackson and Matthew Williamson to name a few.

I especially love their homeware displays that always leave me making mental wish lists for my home!

This September, Debenhams add another famous name, this time to their beauty hall, with Louise Redknapp jumping on board with her brand new and ever so gorgeous make up brand.

I have to be honest, the celebrity name didn't entice me to these products at all, in fact, a celebrity backing would normally make me a little cynical of the brand.  However, Louise was on hand herself to demonstrate how some of her new products work and I have to say, I really can't wait until this brand hits the stores at the end of the month so I can try for myself.

Wild About Beauty is a collaboration between Louise Redknapp and make up artist Kim Jacob.  As well as the reasonable mid price range, the ethos behind the products are that they are quick and easy to use for women on the go. Whether that be a busy mom or a pushed for time career girl.  Louise mentioned she has never been much of a glitter fan so the colours and textures you will find in her brand lean to a natural, flawless finish rather than overly made up, however, they are versatile enough to be able to create a dramatic look if you so wish.  Wild About Beauty is all about creating that inner glow that radiates health, happiness and natural beauty.

Louise herself was absolutely lovely and seemed really passionate about her products, especially with 2 young boys running around.  It means she has products that are quick and easy to apply even when she is rushing about on the school run.  For those of you wondering, she is just as gorgeous in real life as on TV.  She has a chic, sophisticated presence and is so petite ... you could fit her in your purse.

The must have products for me are the concealer sets which remind me a lot of Bobbi Brown concealer and also her sheer cream bronzing product 'Golden Skin Glow' which I think will give a gorgeous healthy glow to any complexion.

Wild About Beauty hits Debenhams stores at the end of September with Glasgow Debenhams being the first to carry the line.

Spray Sun

Back in June, I told you about my 'spraycation' courtesy of St Tropez - a St Tropez pop up located at a nearby shopping centre, where they had set up a one stop tan topping destination.  In other words, a spraycation.

With beach huts for spray tanning and bathing loungers set up for people to relax in and find out more about St Tropez, it was a fun idea and certainly helped me forget about the constant rain and lack of summer we have had north of the border!

Spraycation gossip

I always wear fake tan in some form, I just can't bare my pasty, freckly skin that is the subject of much mocking even in these celtic climes.  I love a spray tan and although St Tropez was one of the first self tanners I ever tried back in my popping the tanning cherry days, I have never been professionally sprayed by them, so this was a first.

I was made to feel at ease by a lovely 'celeb' tanner (who kept tight lipped about her clients) who directed me throughout the tanning process to ensure I left with a flawless, smooth, brown as a berry complexion.  After donning some paper knickers and pulling a some undignified poses, it was time for me to take a few minutes to dry off and inspect my tan in the privacy of my beach hut/booth.

My tanning hut

My tan looked lovely and didn't smell too bad either, although the next morning my bedroom did smell of soggy biscuits, I won't lie.  My only complaint is it takes a little longer to dry in comparison to other spray tans I have had.  I feared dressing back into my clothes in case it smudged the tan so I literally dashed home once I was done to slip into something more floaty and comfortable.

It seems I needn't have worried as the next morning I woke up to a flawless tan that looked natural and healthy.  It even lasted the full week and faded naturally, leaving no dark shadows or areas of product build up on my skin. Win!

My new must have tanning product

It has rekindled my affection for St Tropez as their tanning formula has evolved quite a bit from it's humble beginnings.  So much so that the St Tropez Self Tan Spray has become a staple in my tanning cabinet.  Yes... I do have a tanning cabinet.  I use the spray to give a healthy glow to my face and also top up my hands and feet with it.  It is less likely to cause streaking and only a very light spray is required.  It is a little pricey at £20 or so for a bottle but it does last quite a while if you are only using it for the occasional top up.

Do you have a favourite spray tan brand?

Primary Leopard

Autumn is probably one of my favourite seasons.  I find it hard to dress for other seasons but autumn brings me berry shades, trench coats and fabulous footwear.

The leopard print coat has been doing the rounds forever but I have always kept it at a distance but this year I am buying into it.  It's loud, camp and oh so Pat Butcher.  In my mind it's a pretty versatile item, smart, casual, it's there.

So what am I going to style it with?  Well, I just can't see past teaming it with bold and bright colours.  In my case, red and kelly green.

Leopard Print Jacket: ASOS

Smart Leopard - Trousers:H&M; Clutch bag:ASOS; Top:H&M; Studded boots: Topshop

Casual Leopard - Stripe dress/top: French Connection; Cambridge Satchel: ASOS; Wellington boots: Hunter

What would you style it with?

Lolly's of London

A few month's back I was looking for an affordable and original christening gift for my friend's new beautiful baby girl, Daisy.

I didn't want to go down the usual route of collectable silverware dummies, building blocks or teddy bears but still wanted something that held sentimental value and would become a treasured and beautiful keepsake.

I have met and got to know many wonderful and talented people via my blog/twitter and Laura who owns Lolly's of London is one of them (albeit we have never met).  Laura makes gorgeous, personalised, handcrafted gifts with a unique twist that was just perfect for the gift I was looking for.

There are a number of gorgeous pieces available at Lolly's of London but I decided to go for a handpainted canvas with Daisy's name that comes with it's own dinky bottle of Farrow & Ball paint so baby's hand and footprints can be added later at home.

Seriously, how cute?

My canvas arrived perfectly packaged with care instructions included.  Laura handcrafts all of the products herself using Farrow & Ball paint as her brand of choice.  The bonus of this is it is kind on baby's skin for creating the all important, and cute as heck, paw prints.

I am pleased to say Daisy and Mummy loved their new canvas which takes pride of place in the nursery.  You can check out Lolly's of London here.