Those Dog Days

 (Dress - Primark (old) / Shoes - Office / Bag & Jacket - H&M / Watch - M&S / Necklace - Vintage)

Hi, hello, yo! Well, what a mental few days it has been! I've been trying to kill off my dissertation this past week but seriously it feels like an on-going saga. I've been saying that 'I'm almost finished' for about two months now, and there still seems to be a never-ending 'To Do' list lingering on my desk... Who doesn't love writing a good list though?! On top of that, I'm baby-sitting a couple of dogs for the week; a 15 year old (actually we're not quite sure how old he is....) long-haired dachshund AND a 6 month labrador puppy. It's like looking after an old man and a baby at the same time... Lots of fun, but definitely a handful! 

Anyways, here is a quick outfit post today, before I need to take the doggies out for their afternoon walk. I love simple summer dresses, like this old one from Primark, as they are perfect for this time of year. This is a usual favourite of mine, which can be paired nicely with my classic black tights and biker jacket. Simple and easy!

More soon, 

Helen

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Specs Appeal - Ralph Lauren Sunglasses Review

Hello lovelies! 

I don't know about you, but I always seem to struggle to find sunglasses to suit my face. For as long as I can remember, I've had a very stubborn bone right in the middle of my nose, it's not noticeable in the slightest but whenever I decide to wear sunglasses, they always seem to sit funny. It's probably the reason why I don't tend to wear sunglasses that often, and I actually only own one pair!

 (Sunglasses c/o Sunglasses Shop)

I was kindly asked to review a pair for Sunglasses Shop, and at first I was a little reluctant in case I would struggle to find a pair that would suit. I spent a long time scrolling through the vast selection of sunglasses (impressive collection might I add!), and was constantly drawn towards the cat-eye shaped frames. I think the delicate design can really help to frame a face, whilst looking ultra feminine and classic at the same time. After much debate, I decided on this Ralph Lauren pair, specifically for the subtle design, soft cat-eye shape, thin frame and classic tortoiseshell colour. I was even more delighted when the package arrived in record speed, with a sleek and sturdy travel case and cleaning cloth (always handy!). I'm very happy to confirm that these glasses fit my face nicely and the rose-tinted lenses make everyday look sunny - I can't wait to wear them all year round. I'm so glad I finally have a decent pair of sunglasses to add to my very small collection, thank you Sunglasses Shop! :) 

 Do you guys also struggle when it comes to sunnies? Let me know below!

More soon, 

Helen

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Take a Bubble Break with Bathstore!

Hello lovelies!

I can't stress enough how good it feels to switch off the smart phone, forget about uni/life stress, light a candle or two and sink into the tub with a good book. Now and again, I think it's great to treat yourself to a little pamper session and recharge those, no doubt terribly over-run, batteries. The lovely guys over at Bathstore very kindly sent me a luxurious pamper kit so that I could do exactly that! 

The beautifully packaged kit included a nourishing face mask, sandalwood & musk aromatic candle, silky smooth body lotion from Sanctuary, a blue bath bomb that smells divine (wrapped up), and an incredibly cute rubber duck!

I've been so absorbed by my dissertation lately that I've found it easy to forget about simple pleasures, like a relaxing bubble bath. I've decided I'm going to dedicate one night this week entirely to myself, and take a well deserved bubble break! For those of you who, like me, are constantly on the go, don't forget to invest some time in yourself, unwind and leave your stresses behind - you deserve it! :)

More soon,

Helen

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Baby Blue

(Floral Dress - Warehouse @ ASOS / Black Heels - New Look / Black Bag - H&M)

Hello lovelies!

So, I’m excited to show you all this dress! It’s been sitting in the back of my wardrobe for about a year now and sadly has only made an appearance on the blog now (shocking, I know!). I bought this floral number last year in the ASOS summer sale (originally from Warehouse) and I completely forgot about it as winter approached. I’m glad to have rediscovered it and even happier to realise it still fits - I remember it being a little on the tight side when I bought it (bodycon is never my friend), and I convinced myself I’d stay away from the cakes for a while… Yeah right! Luckily for me, it’s made from very comfortable material, scuba stretch stuff, which is very soft and flattering on the waist when one has a growing food baby....

More soon, 

Helen

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Kimono Love

(Floral Kimono & Black Shoes - New Look/White Dress - H&M/ Belt & Necklace - Vintage)

Hello lovelies! 

This is a quick post today, just so I can show you all my vintage style kimono! I picked up this beauty from New Look last year and I'm only getting round to showing you all now, shocking I know! I love kimonos for their elegance and ability to transform any simple outfit; whether it's a BBQ, night on the town or even a wedding, I feel like a kimono can help create a striking look for any occasion. I'm excited to wear this item with more of my wardrobe, but today, I just paired it with a simple white dress. I bought this lace dress from H&M last summer and it's been one of my favourites ever since. Luckily, it hasn't shrunk in the wash, something I find all my H&M items tend to do... Anyways, I think my kimono will be a timeless piece that I'll hopefully have in my wardrobe for many years to come. 

What do you guys think of Kimonos? Do you share my love for them? 

More soon,

Helen

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Coast to Coast - VIP Event!

Hello lovelies!

Who doesn't love eating out? It's always great fun to head into town with friends, eat some delicious grub, and have someone else cook your dinner whilst you indulge in some yummy cocktails, am I right?! So, when my best friend Georgina and I were invited to the Coast to Coast VIP* event last week, we were over the moon (free food? Hells yeah!). Coast to Coast is an American style restaurant chain, specialising in great American dishes: premium burgers, deep-dish Chicago town pizzas, juicy spare ribs and much, much more! The restaurant have recently opened their first joint in Aberdeen, literally bringing a taste of the States to Scotland. 

As soon as we arrived, we were presented with a glass of Prosecco, quickly followed by a large mint mojito - we were off to a great start! We were instantly presented with the BBQ Board for starters and munched our way through the platter. It's not something we would have normally chosen ourselves, but it was still interesting to try all the different bits and pieces (note to self: BBQ sauce, messy fingers and a white dress is a bad combo). 

After the BBQ feast, I decided to tackle a plate of chilli beef nachos. I'd heard it was a challenge, but I was ready for it. Well, wow. What a fool I was to even think I could attempt the mountain of tortilla chips that lay before me. Seriously, this plate was HUGE. Ginormous. Now, I know some people love huge portions, and it's always better to have too much food than too little, but this was mental (please note: the picture does it no justice!) My dish could easily have fed four people, so I felt awful when I only managed a measly quarter of the portion - very poor show from me. Georgina, on the other hand, chose a classic cheeseburger with sweet potato fries which looked and tasted delicious!

After washing down our main meals with a big glass of wine, it was time to face the final hurdle; dessert. I chose an easy option of ice-cream and enjoyed a mix of four different flavours. Georgina chose sugar donuts sprinkled with hot chocolate sauce and cream. One word: yummmm. 

Although I loved our evening, the one downside was the poor selection of gluten/ allergy free options, and being a gluten sufferer myself, I really struggled with the menu. I know this is something that will only affect a few, so I would still recommend a visit if you're in town - just make sure you arrive with an empty stomach in order to tackle the huge portions! Overall, we had a fantastic night; the food was delicious, the staff were so helpful and friendly, and the evening entertainment was great. Thanks again Coast to Coast, we will definitely be back! :)

More soon, 

Helen

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*  this post was sponsored by Coast to Coast but all opinions and thoughts are my own. Who could say no to free food?! :)