Seraphine - Not just for copy-Kates

When I was pregnant with my second little boy I spent hours on the internet trying to find nice maternity wear which did not make me look like a frump!

During my first pregnancy I was working in London and had many more shopping options, including Top Shop's great maternity section in their Oxford Street store. However, living back up north I really struggled to find stylish and reasonably priced clothes. Which is why I turned to online shopping.

Fuchsia Knot Front Seraphine Dress

Whilst browsing online I came across Seraphine. Seraphine started life as a London boutique ten years ago, before opening their online shop three years later. Their collections have grown and they now offer everything from gorgeous maternity day dresses to jeans, knitwear, coats, underwear, swimwear, shoes, bags and everything inbetween. They have also launched Luxe by Seraphine, which is a stunning range of maternity evening wear and even wedding dresses.

Of course Seraphine will no longer be a well kept secret after Princess Catherine has been pictured in a number of their dresses. But at £39 her chosen dress is also wholly accessible to the masses.

I can also highly recommend this blue printed maxi dress, I wore it whilst pregnant and also all this past summer while I've been breast feeding. So many people... including strangers have commented on it making me feel amazing especially as when you've just had a baby you don't often feel at your best!

Thank you Seraphine! x

Daily Luxe - White Company Candles

Weds 21 Aug

Candles are a little luxury you can enjoy every day! 

Not only do they look pretty in any room but they smell beautiful and you can choose fragrances to reflect the purpose of the room. Relaxing fragrances for the bathroom, fresh and vibrant fragrances for living areas and so on.

Some of my favorite candles come from the White Company. In my living room I have the Verveine Signature candle, £20, which is the "uplifting blend of fresh citrus notes: verbena, orange and lemon".

I also have this fragrance as a room scent and handwash & handcream in our downstairs bathroom and often get complemented on how nice the smell is.

I would also recommend the Winter fragrance too as it just smells so Christmassy, its great for making the house feel festive!

Such a nice feeling - light a candle, put your feet up aaaaand relax!!

Wish List - Whistles AW13

The new Whistles AW13 range is totally fabulous! Here's just a few of the must have pieces to look forward to as the seasons change...

 

Daily Luxe - Liz Earle skincare

Tues 20 Aug

The people I know who use Liz Earle's skincare range absolutely rave about it. And a few years ago I was lucky enough that my friend bought me a number of products from the range so I've been able to try it myself. 

I have to admit I am usually a big Dermologica fan as its the best range I have found for my sensitive stressed out skin.

But reviews of the The Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser in particular promised a lot - with over 1,000 people on the Liz Earle website rating it 5/5 - so I was excited to try it.

The product itself is suitable for all skin types. Its described by Liz Earle as follows:

"Ideal for your morning or evening cleanse, this formulation works on every age and skin type, offering concentrated yet gentle cleansing power.

Our plant-based cleanser has a two-phase action. Phase one is the cleansing. Free from mineral oil, it has a rich and creamy texture and swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make up, even stubborn mascara.

Phase two is the polishing. Polish off the cream using the pure muslin cloth to gently dislodge dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.

Naturally active ingredients include eucalyptus and cocoa butter for smoother, cleaner skin."

And I must admit I loved it right from the start. Its light and fresh yet creamy consistency leaves your skin feeling clean and soft, with no tightness or dryness. 

If you're interested in trying it for yourself why not try the Essentials Try Me kit. For £23 you get a 30ml Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser tube, a 50ml Instant Boost Skin Tonic, a 15ml Skin Repair moisturiser of your choice, a Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion and a muslin cloth plus a handy little bag to keep them in.

For more information check out the Liz Earle website which often does free P&P offers as well!

Daily Luxe - The Necklace Inspired by Holly Willoughby

Sat 17 Aug

If anyone has watched Holly Willoughby on This Morning or seen her photographed in magazines then you may have noticed the very pretty gold coin necklace she wears.

Holly's necklace was a gift from her mum. I always think how beautiful it looks with whatever she is wearing and the design really is timeless.

I was delighted when I discovered where it was sold. Sparkling Jewellery sell the copyrighted design and you can find them online at www.sparklingjewellery.co.uk.

The gold plated version costs £29 and there are other finishes including silver, rose gold, sterling silver and solid gold with prices rising accordingly. There are even some matching coin earrings.

What do you think?

Daily Luxe - Clarins One Step Cleansers

Fri 16 Aug

As a busy mum of two boys under the age of three my skincare regime is sometimes great sometimes errr minimal shall we say.

There was a time where I thought using Simple cleansing wipes was enough, and to be honest my skin was ok with that. However as I've got older my skin just isn't as robust as it once was and it needs properly looking after.

However, whilst I do try to cleanse, tone and moisturise every day, there are days where I just need to flop into bed and sleep as quickly as possible. For these days I have my Clarins One Step Cleanser.

There are three to choose from depending on your skin type. I use the Water Purify One-Step Cleanser with Mint Essential Water (£19.50) which is for combination/oily skin. It feels lovely and refreshing on your skin, and does not leave it feeling tight at all just fresh and clean. Just swipe it over your face with a cotton pad and you're done.

It's also an ideal quick fix if you are staying away from home.

To find out more visit: Clarins One Step Cleansers.

Wish List - Acne Boots

AW13 Wish List

So the weather is only cooling slightly, and the nights are getting darker a little earlier, but already my thoughts are turning to the new season ranges which are now in store and online reminding us that Autumn/Winter is drawing near.

Each year I covet a beautiful pair of 'wear with everything' boots. I've had my eye on the Acne Pistol ankle boots for a while now, but they retail at around £350 so really are an investment buy. Worn by many a celebrity and fashionista they look both stylish and comfortable, and I must say timeless.

Maybe this year will be the year I invest! Or... do you have any other great recommendations for the 'wear with everything' ankle boot? Please let me know!!

Acne Pistol boots in black

Shop for them here at My Wardrobe.