Summer Handbags

I am sure I am not the only person who changes my handbags with the seasons right? I do, more so because for work, I like to be able to chop and change, I carry more in the winter than I do in the summer oddly.  

With that in mind, i've been looking at handbags for the Summer (hopefully the Mister isn't reading this) and there are a few that I have got my eye on and they range in style, range and colour:

Summer Handbags by beautyqueenuk 

Top Left is BeckSöndergaard pink handbag which retails at £57and is from Asos.com

Top Right is Red Dune Handbag which costs £55 and is from Asos.com

The Middle handbag is by Ted Baker and it retails at £149 from Selfridges

Bottom Left is a Salmon-pink Dune Handbag which retails at £75 from Asos.com

Bottom Right is the Cath Kidston blue handbag which you can find in John Lewis for around £30

The first thing I do before I purchase anything online is look around for money off coupons, discount codes, offers and whether or not I can purchase items through sites such as Quidco.   It really is worth looking around to see if you can find something, or even ask on Twitter because it is amazing how many ways there is to save money or even get cash back on some of your purchases.  Over the last year I have managed to save myself over £500 with shopping around and using sites like Quidco and discount vouchers.

The bags featured above are from ASOS, Selfridges, John Lewis and of course Cath Kidston and because in the summer I am not so brave when it comes to wearing brightly coloured clothes, I instead opt for brightly coloured accessories which may include handbags, purses, cardigans and necklaces and beads.

Do you choose handbags based on each season? Do you have a summer bag already picked out?

Lily & Lotty Jewellery

When a piece of jewellery captures your attention, you can guarantee it will also capture that of its recipient.  If you are looking for that one special item for a loved one, Lily & Lotty will have it covered.

Lily & Lotty is an award-winning family jewellery company which is based in South Devon. Carole and Gordon Stock have over 30 years of experience within the jewellery industry and their inspiration behind the brand stems from their three daughters.  Passionate about jewellery, you will find pieces that are inspired by family, nature and art and is crafted from 925 sterling silver, rhodium coated and hand set with a real diamond accent.  

The jewellery collection really does have something for every occasion, whether it is a romantic gesture, gift, wedding, birthday, for the bridesmaids, Holy Communion or just because, you will find the suitable item right in front of your eyes with a range of necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings.

I was kindly sent an item from the collection to review on Beautyqueenuk and I have to say, as beautiful as it looked on screen, when it arrived, it was and is even more beautiful to see. The packaging is simply divine, when you get an item that has such beautiful and striking outer packaging, something where upon which you can tell a lot of thought has gone into how something will look from the very first glance.  When it arrives, it comes beautifully presented in Lily and Lotty signature packaging which includes luxury pouch, gift box, jewellery cleaning cloth and gift bag.

So what did I choose?  The Adelaide silver and diamond heart necklace which is simply divine. Featuring a silver and diamond double heart with real diamond accents, it is laid upon a beautiful chain which measures 18/20 inches and doesn't detract from the beautiful hearts.  What I love about this necklace is that the two hearts are two different designs with one sitting slightly angled and this is what gathers the focus and attention.

As the pendant is silver, it can be accessorized so easily with so many outfits and for so many occasions.  I have worn mine on three separate occasions now, one was to the wedding of a close friend, then I had a blogger event and finally just for a catch up with friends on a night out and each time it was born I had questions as to where I got it from.

You can find Lily & Lotty Jewellery on Jewelstreet which is an amazing online marketplace with has over 300 boutiques exhibiting a myriad of styles, materials and designs from all over the world and you will find that perfect gift in no time.

As for this pendant, I think it would make a stunning gift for your mum, sister, niece, god-daughter or close friend and even if this is not the sort of jewellery you would buy or wear, there are so many other beautiful pieces to choose from, that I am sure like me, you will struggle to choose something.

L'Occitane Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Eau de Toilette

L'Occitane is a brand I am really enjoying the discovery of. It is a brand I have come across and only used (and loved) the hand-creams of, so to try other products has been an absolute dream.

So let me introduce you to Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Eau de toilette, a perfume which I have worn a lot since it came into my possession and one that I have had many compliments on and people wanting to know what it is that I am wearing that leaves a trail behind me.  Now I don't bathe in this perfume, I spritz my pressure points, as I would do any other perfume and I am done.  

It uses extracts of blue Iris from Grasse, which is a small town in the South of France, with it comes the blend of white iris from the Mediterranean which is said to bring about an unexpected but intense fragrance. 

Inside this stunning packaging, which comprises of a gold and purple box is an even more stunning bottle which is designed in the same way and being made of recyclable glass, it is everything you would want to see from L'Occitane.

The description of this perfume is:

"La Collection de Grasse celebrates the fragrant know-how of this French Provençal town by bringing together precious raw materials from close and distant lands".

For me, this scent is like nothing else I own, it is quite fruity and floral whilst at the same time managing to be quite what I can best describe as being smokey. It uses the fresh fruity top notes of citruses and blackcurrant alongside a powdery floral heart of iris and ylang-ylang. Then finally we have white musk and dry accents cedar which is where that smokiness comes from and for me, it is a scent that is just pretty.

Available now, Iris Blue & Iris Blanc retails at £52 for a 75ml bottle and again, if you are looking for something a little bit special for that female in your life, L'Occitane does not disappoint.