Wonderful You | Fashion and Style Blog: November 2013

Thursday, 28 November 2013

What I Wore | Swinging Sixties

Dress: Brit Fash* Brogues: Urban Outfitters. Coat: Zara.

You may or may not have seen my latest , where this dress was featured, albeit briefly, at the end of the video :)
There's not much to say about it, apart from I frickin' LOVE it. When wearing it I feel like perhaps Twiggy and I could've been friends (back in the day) and that I could potentially slot myself in to the groupie cast of Almost Famous. I know, I'm ridiculous, but a girl can dream.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, when wearing a dress that makes you feel you could befriend famous people, the people behind making it are certainly doing something right.
When I wore this little number last weekend I received so many comments on it. From the lovely peterpan collar and matching sleeves to the figure hugging cut and gorgeous print it's honestly the best dress I've tried on in a while.
I thought it went rather nicely with my Zara coat, yeah, I'm like everyone else and had to have 'that' pink coat. I'm not sure why it hasn't featured on here until now, but I really do love it and love how it's not your everyday, boring winter coat. It makes cold mornings fun!

Coats aside, there's nothing better than a dress that does all the talking, it means you don't have to put too much effort in to the rest of your look - you can be comfortable and feel fabulous all at the same time!

Wednesday, 27 November 2013

What I Wore | That Perfect Little White Dress

Dress: Little Mistress*, Belt: Vintage

I rarely do 'proper' on my blog - but there is always an occasion where a girl needs a dress that’s just a little bit formal. Of course I’ve dressed it down a little with ankle boots and crimped hair, but with that being said I feel oddly at home in this little number from Little Mistress. I love the classic style and I think it’s always important to have a dress in your wardrobe that won’t go out of fashion.

A dress that’s simplistic is a staple piece and not one to be taken for granted – this beauty fits like an absolute dream, it sits on my hips perfectly and cups my bottom just right. It’s a little larger on the top half but with a structured dress I always prefer a little more room to move around (major fear of ripping!). The mesh detail is my absolute favourite part though – it takes it from ‘ah she’s wearing a pretty, formal dress’ to ‘OOH, she’s wearing a really pretty, formal dress’ see the difference? :) It just gives it that extra edge but the length means it’s still completely appropriate for events where you should probably be keeping those thighs and bottoms covered ladies!

I feel that in my other life, (where I’m Audrey Hepburn FYI) you’d probably see me wearing something like this daily. But for now, I’m saving it for my next special occasion!

What do you think? Do you have a dress like this in your wardrobe? If not, get yourselves over to the Little Mistress website and grab yourself 20% off with the code: BLOGGER1251 at checkout!

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

#VerySecretSanta | Bloggers Challenge

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely people at Very - they asked if I'd like to take part in their Secret Santa Blogger Challenge () and of course, the answer was YES! I was super excited..Secret Santa is so much fun and we do it every year at home with my family, but doing it for bloggers is such a genius idea and I couldn't wait to get started.

We were each given a secret blogger to buy for with a budget of £20. First off I thought this might be quite the task, these days £20 isn't much, especially if you're wanting to make sure you get something you know your blogger will like! However, Very made it super easy for me - with their Christmas Gift page I was overwhelmed with choice and slipping down the price tag on the website to 'up to £20' meant only the things I could pick would pop up. It didn't take me long to find the perfect gift for my secret blogger...then it was just a waiting game.

My parcel arrived yesterday morning whilst I was at work; needless to say I was desperate to get home and find out what I'd received! Two lovely parcels were waiting for me and it was so nice to see that Very had even gone to the trouble of wrapping them up in Christmas paper with a Secret Santa note.
I absolutely love my gifts, the thoughtfulness of the mug is just so sweet and suits me down to the ground! And the lip butter set will be an absolute gem this winter - whoever my secret blogger is I want to say THANK YOU! I wish I knew who you were so I could give you the biggest virtual hug :)

My secret santa blogger was the beautiful Victoria from Inthefrow, (I've been told we're allowed to tell now!) I'm not sure if she's had her gift yet, but I really hope she loves it! I sort of wanted to keep it for myself ;)

Thank you to Very for asking me to take part in such a wonderful concept...I feel this should be a blogging necessity going forward - it's so nice to share the love with other bloggers and has really got me in the Christmas spirit! Yay!

Monday, 25 November 2013

Get Ready With Me Video & 8,000 Subscribers!!

This weekend I filmed and uploaded my first edition of the infamous 'get ready with me' video. It was one I was a little dubious to film because it's become so popular and it's always felt like a difficult video to get right (i.e. not just plonking myself down in front of the camera and rambling away like usual and actually having a bit of skill haha).

I thought I'd go for a different approach and have the camera angle looking in to the mirror as opposed to me struggling squinty eyed to do my makeup in the viewfinder ;). There is also a cheeky (topless, eek) appearance from Daniel. I didn't even notice him when I was editing but you lovely ladies spotted him straight away and didn't hesitate to let me know..which made us both chuckle!

I also somehow, magically reached 8,000 subscribers this weekend on my channel. I know everyone says it, and it can get a bit repetitive, but honestly I am so so grateful and it absolutely baffles me that even one person wants to watch my videos. Sometimes it feels a little overwhelming but for the first time in my life I feel content, truly happy with what I'm doing and it's all because of you guys. I don't think I could thank you enough and I wish I could give you all the biggest, squishiest hug. LOVE YOU LONG TIME.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video - and as it's my first 'GRWM' I'd love to know what you thought of it? As always, links for products used are in the 'down bar' on the description :) hope you have the loveliest day!

Thursday, 21 November 2013

What I Wore | Winter Warmer

Hat: Accessorize. Jumper: Rose & Pose*. Leggings: Zara. Boots: EMU Australia

Just like my last outfit post, jumpers and leggings are going to be a big staple for my winter wardrobe. I'm also introducing flowerpot-esque hats that make me feel just a little bit happy (stolen from the mother - thanking you kindly). I'm thinking Bill & Ben would welcome me if their show was still running, no?

And yeah, I'm living in these leggings...so what?

On a completely separate note - I'm thinking of filming a 'room tour' video this weekend for my . Is this something you guys would like to see? Do let me know any other suggestions you may have too :) always open to ideaaaaas!

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Moo's Musings #2

Hello lovely faces and welcome to edition #2 of Moo's Musings, where you can probably be bored to tears with what I've been doing (or not been doing) over the past weeks. Let's start from the top and work our way down to the bottom (saucy)...

1 & 2. It was Halloween, we had no idea what to go as so my dear friend Charly and I messed our faces up a bit and backcombed our hair, sorted. 3. Homesense is probably the best shop and when I spotted these little balls of loveliness I went to instagram to help me decide which one to pick..we went with purple.

4. I absolutely love that we have an open fire in our home, so warm and lovely. 5. I caved and made an impromptu purchase of the indeed labs infamous pepta-bright and hydraluron - reviews to come. 6. Naturally we all take selfies on the train.what? You've done it too! 7 & 8. Meeting the lovely Jayne for the first time and catching up with beautiful Lauren. 9. I visited my cousin in London, we went out and got home at 5.30am. This was our view on the walk to the bus stop. p.s. I hate night buses. 10. My favourite quote in the Alexa Chung book. 11. a pretty lovely case from caseable. 12. my walk to the train station from my cousins apartment. 13. Alexa Chung - IT a pretty darn good book if you ask me, would you like to see a review? 14. Out for lunch with my mum and sister. 15. And of course one must have dessert with lunch, no?

Monday, 18 November 2013

What I Wore | Textures & Prints

Jumper: Miss London*, Leggings: Zara, Boots: EMU Australia. Fedora: Topshop. Lipstick: Topshop Infrared

Being warm makes me happy. It’s fair to say that I pretty much detest summer...don’t get me wrong, I massively appreciate the lighter evenings and that you have a ‘summer holiday’, but that’s where my love for it ends. If it’s hot, the only thing I want to be doing is sunbathing in a bikini and dipping my tootsies in the pool. Plus I’m a layer-er, I like to layer, this doesn’t bode well with heat.

On that note (god I do ramble don’t I) it would appear that I really quite like winter – and the fashion that goes along with it for that matter. You know you have a particular ensemble that you always reach for when it comes to comfort? This is mine...leggings and jumpers, easy, simples.

It’s official that Zara offer the best leggings on the High Street and these are no exception. For £25.99 they’re a complete steal and are stupid levels of comfy. This jumper is also fulfilling all sorts of needs (not the naughty type, I know what you’re thinking), it’s thick, detailed and textured as well as being super soft. SORTED.

Friday, 15 November 2013

Meet Moo's Marvellous Advertisers

Image Source:

It's FRIDAY! Now if that's not enough to make you happy then what is? Introducing you to two lovely shops is what! I hope you've got your purse at the ready to make a few cheeky pre-Christmas purchases, believe me you'll want to...

Olive and Frank
GUYS they've had a makeover and it's SO PRETTY!!! Not only that but they have heaps of new items in store ready for winter and honestly I have never seen so many gorgeous things under one roof. Every time I go on the website it just makes me happy...I mean, look at these shoes...I said LOOK! They've also very kindly set up a Bloggers Network, so if you're a fellow blogger like me and want to get involved with discounts and giveaways then have a looksie here and get signed up :)

The CityRack
If you're looking for glamorous this Christmas then The CityRack is the place to be. Filled to the brim with gorgeous dresses you're certain to stumble across the perfect party outfit. I'm particularly taken with this little number, shock horror it's black and white! But it's a bit lovely isn't it? They've also got a great section on their website dedicated to Celebrity Looks, so you can take inspiration from your faves and translate it in to an affordable look that works for you :)

If you'd like to see your lovely blog button sat on my sidebar for the next 30 days, have a and get all the details!

Thursday, 14 November 2013

My Optique | London Retro Glasses

London Retro Glasses from My Optique*

A few years ago I started to get headaches, having a job that involves you sitting in front of a computer screen 9-5 (how glamorous) means that your eyes can get tired – and although my vision is pretty spot on, if I have to concentrate for long periods of time I can get a little blurry and my head starts to hurt. So I had an eye test and was given a weak prescription to help and now whenever my eyes are feeling a little sleepy I pop my glasses on and it goes away. Magic.

Some people prefer to wear contacts, but I literally cannot stand anything to do with eyeballs let alone actually having to touch them. Plus, I bloody love wearing glasses. Well, at first I really struggled with them and when I looked in the mirror it made me want to cry a little bit because I just felt ugly. But after I came to terms with the fact that this was just a thing I had to live with and I couldn’t hate it that much because if I did I would touch my eyeballs and put contacts in, I learned to sort of love them. I had the same pair of glasses since I got my first prescription, which of course is absolutely fine but when My Optique got in touch and asked if I’d like to receive a pair for review I was ruddy excited.

I thought I’d go for something a little different, you know, for the days when I feel I want to look like Dame Edna or Lily Savage (which is pretty much every day I’ll have you know). Based on the classic cat eye look worn by Marilyn Monroe but a little less subtle with the fabulous gold inlay London Retro’s Babs are definitely a more statement look for day to day wear. Put it this way, I’ve never had comments on my glasses in work before and I think every single person made a remark on how awesome they were the first day I wore them. They’re reasonably expensive, but I think they’re worth every penny, from the beautiful shape to the sturdy frames and gorgeous case they feel elegant, look luxurious and are higher quality than any other pair I’ve ever tried on. The website is also pretty awesome, bearing in mind I hadn’t tried these on or even seen them in ‘real life’ before making the decision the site do a brilliant job of portraying the glasses and what you see is exactly what you get. When I slipped them on it was exactly how I envisaged them, which is pretty nifty don’t you think?

I know these won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I really do love them and there are some more standard frames on offer if you don’t fancy being a Whacky Wendy like me :)

Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Two Ticks With...The CityRack

If one chooses to be an here on Wonderful You, part of that package includes a solo blog post, dedicated to you, your blog or shop. I thought it might be quite nice to introduce a new series to incorporate this, so without further ado I introduce to you...Two Ticks With - a cheeky little interview so you can really get to know the loveliness at the top of my sponsors bar.

First up and one of my firm favourites that blogging has introduced me to is The CityRack....keep reading to find out more!

Hello! For those who may not have had the pleasure to come across The CityRack before, can you tell us a little bit about the brand?

The CityRack is a fast growing online fashion retail store, offering fashion-forward clothing at affordable prices. Aimed at young and stylish females, The CityRack offers the latest styles in clothing and accessories for women that love keeping their look on-trend and affordable.

Describe The CityRack in 3 words.
Affordable, stylish and interactive.

How does The CityRack stay on top of trends?
We are always on the lookout for what’s up and coming and love inspiration from outfits of fashion lovers whether it be our customers (who regularly interact with us via our social media pages) or fashion bloggers.

As The CityRack is an online retail store, how do you keep your customers coming back?
At The CityRack, we understand that the key to our success is a happy and satisfied customer. This is why we focus on delivering exceptional customer service & a simple to use yet exciting shopping experience.

We do more than just sell clothes. We like to point our customers in the right direction by offering exclusive fashion updates including handy fashion tips and outfit ideas.

What's next for The CityRack?
Getting even bigger and better and continuing to provide fashion-forward products at affordable prices for everyone from fashion fanatics to those just looking for a one-off outfit.

Here on Wonderful You I've been sharing inspiration for what to wear at this years Xmas Do! What three items would you pick from the website to put together the perfect Christmas Party Outfit?
This Christmas it’s all about glitter and glamour. This stunning dress comes in a deep burgundy colour with gold and lace embellishments to give it that festive feel. These gorgeous shoe boots will complement the dress and make this outfit instantly high- fashion and ultra-glamorous while the matching black bag is the ultimate stylish way you can keep all your Christmas goodies safe this season.

Where can we find The CityRack?
You can find us at WWW.THECITYRACK.COM.
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram: @thecityrack
Blog:

I hope you guys enjoyed getting to know The CityRack as much as I did, they're really a fantastic brand who have fast become one of my online staples for beautiful pieces - especially their gorgeous jumpers. And asking my favourite people and places lots of questions is something I bloody love to do..C'mon you know you're just as nosy as me ;)

If you'd like to advertise with Wonderful You for the month of December you can find out more about my packages .

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

An Afternoon Tea with Antipodes

On Saturday I was lucky enough to be invited (with a handful of lovely bloggers) to Antipodes new product launch hosted by their Global Beauty Expert, Stephanie Malcolm at the Charlotte Street Hotel in London. Stephanie had come all the way over from New Zealand and being such a huge fan of the brand I couldn’t quite believe it when an invite landed in my inbox (yes, I may have squealed). When I first started my blog I wrote about their delicious , which has remained a firm favourite of mine so hearing more about products that are yet to hit the shops in the UK was definitely something I wasn’t going to miss!

I met the oh so beautiful Lauren before heading down to the Hotel and was quite stunned at just how wonderful the venue was. I was also super excited to meet the little stunner that is Jayne for the first time (hello hair twin ;)).

We were greeted with the most gorgeous afternoon tea whilst Stephanie gave us the low down on three beautiful new items to the range – I know, pretty much heaven right? Whilst I was happily scoffing (politely and femininely, ahem) my cake stand and sipping my fresh peppermint tea I was more than content dipping my nose in to the wild blackcurrant scent of the joyous protein-rich night replenish serum, the light and creamy avocado grace gentle cleanser and mesmerizing vintage gardenia that filled the delight hand cream and body cream. I am beyond excited to give these products a thorough testing and share my thoughts with you all – if the scents and textures are anything to go by, these beauties won’t disappoint...and that’s forgetting the super gorgeous packaging, which has to be my favourite ever.

I had the most amazing afternoon and felt so privileged to be invited, a huge thank you to Stephanie (who can I just say is the loveliest lady and represents a fabulous company SO well) for taking the time to be in the UK and educate us on the science behind the brand and also a big thank you to Sophie, the lady behind arranging such a great event - I'm so grateful!

Keep your eyes peeled for reviews, I think we may have something special here guys.

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