My Handbag Essentials With Carex

My blog has been a great way to collaborate with the brands I have loved, sometimes for years and years; so I jumped at the chance when the guys from Carex asked if I'd like to help them promote their AHHMAZING new collab with the iconic British sweets; Love Hearts! Now a little bit of trivia here; I actually live 15 minutes away from the original sweet factory where Love Hearts were made and my Nanna actually used to work there! So as you can imagine they hold a special place in my heart. Not only am I a fan of sweets (who isn't!?) but if you follow my IG story, you'll know that Carex often features in my 'what's in my bag' posts. 

I'm a very organised person, and I totally live my the motto "fail to prepare, prepare to fail' (such a geek I know!) - but it just makes me happy to have everything I could ever need in one bag! I always have Carex gel and wipes in all of my bags, which I've always thought were pretty great...but then they sent me their new 'fun edition' scented versions which feature the scent of...Strawberry Laces!

Guys, I've not being dramatic here, but they have the most delicious smell EVER. I want to eat them! Not only do they smell great when you use them, the scent actually lasts, which is the dream. I kept getting a subtle hint of the sweet strawberry all day! 

As well as being bloomin' gorgeous to smell, the hand gel kills 99.9% of bacteria, which is why I love them so much! I always take them with me whilst travelling. I also have a lot of lunch meetings for work, so it's great to use if you don't have time to wash your hands before eating. 

Now onto the main attraction; the Love Hearts hand wash! Well, what can I say, other than my mum stole one from me as soon as she smelt it and even my little brother is obsessed the new Bubble Gum version (as you can tell from the empty bottle!). It perfectly encapsulates the retro sweet in hand wash form. It not only kills 99.9% of bacteria (just like the lovely hand gel), but it also nourishes your hands, which is a great bonus! I just love the fact the products that I genuinely use on a daily basis, have had a bit of a make over which has made them more than just a product I buy for necessity, I now can't wait to try the new fun collaborations which has made bacteria fighting fun!

The best thing about the new edition, is that it's just £1.80 and available at Tesco! So what are you waiting for, go and try the new scrumptious scents for yourself!

Christian Louboutin - The New Fragrance

“ I wanted to celebrate woman and her desires. I wanted these fragrances to enhance an aspect of her personality, or perhaps reveal something about her that no one knew before" - Christian Louboutin

I've said many times over that past two years, that my blog has made some of my dreams come true. I know sometimes I can be a tad dramatic (me? never!). However, if you'd told me a few years ago that I would be meeting the Communications Director of Christian Louboutin on a sunny Tuesday morning at the Manchester Selfridges store, I would have called you insane. Well, that's exactly what happened last week, when I was invited down to meet Jana Khoury to discuss the launch of the new Louboutin fragrance line.

 I've been a massive fan of CL since I can remember. I actually completed an entire project about him at high school (I don't know how I managed to work him into an I.T project). I've always loved the absolute glamour your mind conjures up when someone mentions his name. He epitomises female power and beauty and his heels are iconic around the globe. Last year I watched the Channel 4 documentary about his life and work, and it made me fall in love with him even more. I actually managed to see him in the flesh when he visited Manchester this time last year to launch the Louboutin concession at Selfridges. He was just as you expected him to be; funny, witty and stylish - his presence was electric and everyone adored him.

This funny, clever man is a modern day genius, and best of all he champions women. Women of all shapes, sizes, races and religions. To him, all women are beautiful and powerful and his heels only seek to add to this female empowerment.

Although I've followed his journey for years, I've not yet been lucky enough to own a pair of his heels. I've just never been in the position that I could afford a pair. However, this doesn't stop me having them at the top of my 'wish list' and they will be on there until I have them in my wardrobe! However; in 2014 Christian Louboutin Beaute was launched, which would allow everyone to get a piece of the Louboutin magic. Initially starting with statement red of his soles, encapsulated in a chip resistant nail polish, set in a lavish bottle inspired by the Crazy Horse Cabaret in Paris. With a stiletto heel as the lid, it is practically a work of art in itself. Over the past two years, more shades have been added, and the range now extends to stunning lipsticks, all with luxurious, over the top (in the best way) packaging, which truly stands out from the rest of the beauty products on the market.

The new fragrance range consists of three stunning scents, each with their own personality. As with the rest of the beaute products, the packaging is incredible. The bottles were designed by Thomas Heatherwick, who has worked on some incredible projects, such as the Olympic cauldron in the 2012 games. You immediately want to touch the bottles; so tactile and enticing and almost magical; they glow and illuminate the liquid inside. They don't arrive in a box; but instead the bottles are covered in hard, clear plastic, so you can see them in all their glory. Jana mentioned that she thought it looked as though you are receiving and Oscar, as the bottles appear so upright and ooze glamour.

Admittedly, I am a bit of a fragrance fiend. I adore new perfumes, and love how they can instantly change your mood, remind you of a memory or generally make your day better. So I was incredibly eager to smell the fragrances the Louboutin himself, decided encapsulated the women he wanted to inspire. I was not disappointed when I finally got the chance to try them; Trouble In Heaven -  "intoxicating and mysterious", this has to be my favourite. The deep musky tones, create a vivid picture of luxury, and to me remind me of autumn nights. Tornado Blonde - "the scent of desire, love and adventure" this light, sexy scent is floral yet light, and the rose and violet tones linger on beautifully. Finally, Bikini Questa Sera - "intimate and compelling", this fun flirty fragrance epitomises the heat of summer nights, I absolutely adored the jasmine base of this one; so sultry and dark.

Jana herself was wonderful to talk to and explained the thoughts and reasoning behind each of the three fragrances. It was truly fascinating to talk to someone who worked with Christian himself. You can tell he likes to be surrounded by intelligent, powerful women and to have a one to one talk with Jana was amazing. Before I left I was given a gift which contained the three fragrances and one of the iconic nail polishes - Christmas had come early! What an incredible morning spent with an inspirational women, discussing one of the world's most well known men. I told you this blog makes my dreams come true!

You can purchase the perfume here and the rest of the beaute range is available here.

Ilex London

There's nothing I love more in the world of fashion, than the constant happiness that handbags bring! A bag will always fit, it isn't uncomfortable and it will go with everything. So I was delighted to review a new bag from Ilex London. It was a very difficult decision choosing which one I would add to my rather exclusive collection. I say exclusive, as although they are without doubt my fave accessory, I'm also very picky when it comes to buying one. It must be something I haven't already got, practical and chic.

In the end, I went with the stunning 'Olivia' which is a genuine leather beauty. As well as looking beautiful, it's also a really great size, and easily fits an A4 folder in, so I immediately knew that I would use it for work. It has both carry handles and an over the body strap, so it's great when I have a lot to take around with me.

Ilex are a UK based bag company that specialise in creating beautiful leather bags. Rather than concentrating on fast trends, they choose to create timeless bags that will last season after season. That's exactly what they've created with their fantastic collection - I'm in love with them all!

You can immediately, not only see the quality, but feel the quality. It's a bag that will be used again and again and only get better with age. The silver coloured hardware is the perfect finish, and means it's incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing with outfits. As you can see, it has a detachable over the body strap, so you're getting 2 bags in one!

You can check out the full collection, including the new season range, online; here.

Silk Shirts and Frills

Firstly, apologies for not having uploaded a fashion post in what feels like years! I hope if you do follow me, that I've kept you up to date with my OOTDs on Instagram. I started a new job about 3 months ago. My very first job in the fashion industry (my dream) and although I've love every minute; it's not left me much time to physically go out and take outfit pictures (which my husband is very happy about as he's my "photographer" ha!). Anyway, a few weeks ago I received the most beautiful, real silk shirt from Wrap London. It was so stunning that I just had to get out and shoot in this stunner.

As it happened, my best friend was coming up from London, so it made for the perfect excuse to glam up and shoot some pics! The shirt itself it just a dream. I chose the khaki version, but it also comes in 'mink' and 'grey' which are equally as stunning. I've never owned a real silk shirt, but boy, you can tell the quality. It just feels different than the usual synthetic material that you get from high street stores; it's definitely an investment piece! As it's so versatile, I've actually already worn it twice. Once with my snazzy jeans for the night out, and also with some sports luxe joggers; it just looks incredible on, and hangs to perfection.

I teamed my dream shirt with these frill hemmed jeans which really are the marmite of denim. Well, I say that, they're more man repellers, as most girls LOVE them, and I am indeed taken with the frill this season (if you follow my IG then you'll know my obsession). I finished the looked with my absolute mega babes from Mango. I'm afraid they're sold out now, but I couldn't not feature them!

I will definitely keep up with my blog from now on, and I really appreciate every single one of you who still read this! Have a great weekend!

Shirt: Wrap London // Jeans: Asos // Bag: Mango (similar) 

Lazy Dogz Slippers (featuring my lazy dog!)

It may only be August, but let's face it, it's the UK and for me it's the North - so I'm already feeling pretty autumnal (especially today, it's raining and 12c in SUMMER). This miserable weather has actually made me reminisce about snuggly winter evenings, drinking hot chocolate and watching a period drama on the BBC. I was even more inspired when I got what can only describe as a GIANT box of goodies from the fantastic Lazy Dogz who specialise in extra comfortable (and may I add glamorous) slippers.

As you can see from the pictures; these are not just your average pair. These babies are fashionable accessories to jazz up your winter nights. I was obviously immediately drawn to the fabulous glitter pair which will be out this Autumn. I mean faux fur and gold glitter; what's not to love! They are not just beautiful to look at, they are genuinely, incredibly comfortable. I was lucky enough to be sent 2 pairs to wear now (actually wearing the booties as I write this) and the samples from the AW16 collection (which I cannot wait to get my hands on!).

Along with making the slippers extra beautiful and fashionable, Lazy Dogz also ensure that they are made ethically and everything is designed in the UK. They also donate a £1 from every pair sold to the Manchester Dog home, which is a charity very close to my heart. If you don't already know, a few years ago there was an awful fire and many dogs lost their lives. Thanks to the support of Lazy Dogz and the generous public, they have re built the home. I myself donate every month as I'm a massive crazy dog lady. The little cherub featured in this post is my baby Ruby. She's 1 and needless to say, LOVED posing for these pictures! So; if you're looking for the most stylish slippers around, get yourself over to Lazy Dogz and you'll be guaranteed to give your friends some major slipper envy!