little black dress...

When it comes to the little black dress there are sooooo many options out there to choose from. There really is an LBD for every shape and size and every budget too. Celebrities rock their LBD's and here are a few dresses that I just love.

Eva Longoria has to be the queen of the LBD. Here she is wearing a Victoria Beckham creation. I just love how this dress cuts in at the top. It's so flattering although I'm sure a bin bag would also look flattering on this lucky lady.

Here she is again in a simple strapless black dress. It looks effortless.

I love this dress that Emma Watson wore quite a while back. The feathers and the lace just work together brilliantly.

Jennifer Aniston looks so chilled in this LBD. I'm a real fan of a skater or flared skirt. They are just so comfortable and easy to wear and if like me you love to get down on the dance floor then this is the perfect dress to do so in.

Here Eva breaks out the bling in this little sequined number. I'm generally not a huge fan of sequins but because the lines of this dress are so simple it just works.

As it's only coming into summer here now I'll have to wait another while before I get to pull out all my LBD's so until then I will just have to druel over all the images on the net.

fun festive finds...

I really like to get into the festive spirit and this year because I am in Australia where it's not as cold and winter like as we are used to, I feel even more compelled to be as festive as possible.

Here is a list of a few festive finds that I love and instantly put people into a jolly mood.

Christmas socks

Keep those toe toes toasty in some jolly Christmas socks. You may even be lucky enough to find some with bells.

Christmas Jumper

Nothing says festive fun then a group of people laughing and joking in their Christmas jumpers.

Christmas Jewellery

If you don't want to go all out with your Christmas clothing why not accessorise with some jewellery. Little Christmas tree shaped stud earrings will give that subtle hint of Christmas cheer.

Christmas Hat

When I was younger I loved wearing my Christmas hat at the horse riding school. Not only did it spread a bit of festive cheer but also kept my ears nice and toasty too.

Christmas comes but once a year. Go out and spread some festive cheer.

va va voom velvet...

Velvet is something that we didn't see for quite a few years but seems to be making a regular comeback for the last few Autumn/Winters. Nothing says luxury like a beautiful velvet dress on a cold winters evening. I'm missing out this Christmas as I'm in Australia so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that velvet is still big in 2014 too.

Here are few velvet pieces I have bought and a few more I could definitely see me parting with my pennies for.

I love this little skater style dress. It is super comfy and has little dots of glitter all over it. The three quarter length sleeves work great for winter too. It looks fab with black tights and black heels. I have gotten heaps of wear from this dress already.

Everyone needs some black pumps so why not make them velvet too.

Berry shades are big this year and this burgundy velvet dress is just perfect for a night out on the town. Paired with black tights and boots and a black leather jacket this is a super chic outfit with a bit of edge too.

You can't have black pumps without getting a matching pair in navy too.

This dress oozes sophistication. It is a simple silhouette that lets the velvet speak for itself. I got this as a gift last Christmas and lived in it.

I really am not a leggings type of person but I just couldn't leave these behind. I love black velvet because it really is the darkest black you can find and wont lose it's colour. Leggings and a loose shirt with some heels and statement jewellery work great for a festive get together.

I need this dress...

I think some velvet boots will be next on my wish list. I would give a great home to any of these.

back to black...

Every year I make the crazy claim that I'm going to wear less black. Who am I kidding? I can't get enough of black as soon as winter sets in, yes yes I wear black in the summer too. Black looks super sleek and I love the different effects you can get by layering different fabrics together. There is such a variety out there that black doesn't have to be dull or boring at all. My motto is if you can wear black tights with it then it's good to go.

Here are a few black essentials that every lady should have in her wardrobe:

A black pair of jeans is a must. Look after them too and wash them with suitable detergent to keep them staying nice and dark.

I love black tights, with heels and a cute black dress, or with converse and some denim shorts you just can't go wrong with black tights. I like mine to be at least 100 Denier. The darker the better and you can even get nice cosy thermal tights to keep you extra warm through the winter months too.

A black jacket is a wardrobe staple. Invest in a classic shape and have it dry cleaned after each winter and stored away properly and it will last you for years.

Some classic black heels work well with any outfit, paired with jeans and a sheer shirt or tights and a dress you really can't go wrong. Again invest in a good pair and remember to have them re-heeled and resoled and they will really go the distance with you.

Black nail polish comes and goes but for the last few years it has been big on the scene. Previously it was seen to be a little grundgy but now it is as chic as ever. Update your black manicure with some mattifying polish for that super sleek look.

Don't worry I'm definitely not forgetting the most important item of your winter wardrobe but I think the LBD needs a whole post of it's own so stay posted. Xxx

seriously studded...

Studs are in, from shoes to shorts to sweaters. They add an edgy feel to simple pieces and can change what maybe a flat look into something sassy and full of life.

Studded shoes are a simple way to spice up an outfit.

Sassy shorts and a cute tee will look great. Add some chunky tights and ankle boots when the winter sets in to keep those pins warm.

A studded clutch will add that hint of rock chick you're looking for.

Contrast soft knits and studs for that bang on trend look.

Leather and studs! Be still my beating heart.

What's amazing about this trend is that it's something you can do yourself really cheaply. If you already have some items that you feel need a bit of a revamp why not stick some studs on them. Studs can be bought from most craft shops and are not expensive at all, or failing that stop by ebay where you can find lots of different studs of all shapes and sizes. The studs are really easy to apply to your clothes and in no time you'll have a brand new fashionable item that no-one else will have.

berry berry burgundy...

Burgundy is big this Autumn. It's everywhere! In the shops and on the catwalks and I love it. I wish it was Autumn here too but I have found a few pieces that I can also work for Spring/Summer while I'm in Australia.

Why not swap up your old faithful black trousers for some brand spanking new burgundy ones.

Accessorise with a handbag and work the look for night or day.

Keep the winter chills away with a cute chunky knit.

Add a sharp blazer to finish off any chic look.

Not brave enough to go all berry like? Just add a slick of burgundy polish to take part in this seasons hottest trend.

choco banana toasties...

I love toasties. They are always a massive winner with me. I remember when we were young and I'd come home from horse-riding and it would be so cold in the winter and toasties would always hit the spot and warm my fingers too.

I'm a sucker for a ham, cheese and mushroom toasty as I love mushrooms with everything. Sometimes it's a struggle for me not eat them all raw before I even manage to cook them.

I also love any toasty with leftover turkey or chicken, add some cheese and onion, maybe a few mushys too. mmmmm yummy. Toasties are such a great way to use up all those odds and ends in the fridge too which is another one of my favourite things to do. Clean out the fridge and slap it all between two slices of bread. Delicious.

I've tried a variety of toasty combinations but all were savoury until I discovered this little gem. Great as a breakfast toasty, or a kind of healthy snack too.

Choco Banana Toasties

Ingredients:
4 slices of bread
1 Banana, cut into slices
Nutella

This one probably doesnt need any instructions but here we go, make a banana and nutella sandwich and toast until golden and gooey. Leave to cool for a moment or so as the nutella can get very hot and you don't want a burnt mouth. Nothing worse.

Cut up and enjoy. Yummy. Perfect with a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winters night snuggled up watching a movie.