The big trends in accessories for 2015

Yep, Christmas is well and truly upon us. It is easily the best time of the year, and a time for indulgence, from food to gifts. It is of course the perfect time of year to show your loved ones you care, and this doesn’t mean spending a gazillion pounds either.

It won’t be long before Christmas is forgotten; the mince pies have been devoured, the decoration are in the attic for another year and we look ahead to a brand new belonging in the form of 2015. Have you thought of any resolutions yet?

Everyone knows I love my beauty, but fashion and accessorising is all part and parcel of the whole package. What’s the point in showing off your amazing new watch if your nails aren’t shiny from a post-manicure?!

The New Year also means sales and there are big savings to be had. Whether it’s a stylish designer watch from Watches of Switzerland or a gorgeous pair of earrings and necklace combo from your favourite high street (that happens to now be half price too=win!) there will always be an accessory that takes your fancy.

Here are some of the best to look out for in 2015:

Bright and Bold Earrings

Whether it’s sporting just one absolute show-stopper or opting for traditional Avant Garde style jewels, if you want one focus next spring/summer, opt for the statement earrings. I mean, check out these ‘crocodile tear’ earrings:

So clever! And I love the Parisian style jewels and Art Deco style, and you can find such perfect jewels at market and vintage stores whether they’re online or in person. Often one of a kind, you can really make your sense of style as unique as you really are.

Experimenting with your looks is so fun so why not try teaming your minimal outfits with crazy big gold or silver hoops and added bling in the form of a Chanel chain bag.

Gorgeous Gladiator sandals

It’s weird even meaning the word “sandals” when we’re in the midst of such a chill (winter is well and truly here ladies and gentlemen) but before you know it, the sun will be back and summer holiday will be booked. Save yourself the effort and rush that comes with missing the  fashionista boat and get ahead of the game.

SS15 has brought with it a more stylish gladiator sandal in the form of thin, high heel and gladiator style boots that can easily be styled with your festive party outfits for that extra bit of “Wow!” factor.

Circular detailing

This is a peculiar trend and one generally not spotted, but circular shapes are everywhere this season; they’re hard to miss in fact!

Where you will see a lot of them is handbags. The clasp detailing has been seen from Victoria Beckham to Celine with many clutch bag incorporating this into the handle so that striking clasp is at the fall front. Of course, a metallic handle also looks so striking.

It isn’t just bags and purse opting for the circular motion, but necklaces, bracelets and even sunglasses too.

In terms of the bracelets and necklaces, it’s all about being bold. Bamboo style rings decorated the front and geometric shapes gives a real 60s feel. When styling, you can leave your clothes minimal and express yourself through the bling instead!

Pastels pastels pastels!

Come to mention the 60s, I couldn’t help but fall madly in love with the Moschino show for SS15 ; it was Barbie themed. The outfits all looked so much fun, and there was definitely a pink theme running throughout.

Now, not every woman is a pink fan, and it can look a little tacky in the wrong concept so what are the basic rules. For starters, if you’re wearing all pink from head-to-toe, you better have the attitude to back it up! It’s a daring look and can easily look either frumpy or overkill when not executed properly.

The easiest way would be to opt for a light sugary pink knit. It will keep you cosy during chilly winter days and will be perfect come spring for those slightly less chiller evenings.

I might be looking a little far into the future, but the top designer have already had their spring/summer shows for 2015 so hop to it! And be one step ahead of the rest.  

www.periodbox.co.uk

If you could change the way you experience your periods would you? Yes me too!  Let me introduce you to PeriodBox**, it is a premium monthly subscription service that bundles your choice of tampons and pads with hand-picked goodies and exquisite treats to cheer you up when you most need it - how good does that sound?

Like a subscription box you might subscribe to for your beauty needs, this box aims to ensure you never have to do some last minute shopping because you have run out/forgotten or have to send the other half down to Tesco to get your Tampons.  So instead, PeriodBox will deliver your tampons or pads to you every month so you don't, but that is not all!  Instead with every box you will get a selection of premium teas, chocolates from artisan manufacturers and high-end beauty samples. You will also receive a unique design gift or a beautiful art print by our featured artist of the month.

So how does it work? I was lucky enough to be sent a box to try and I am just so impressed with it.  Once you have to the website you essentially fill out your profile and it you will be asked questions based on the length of your period and how long your cycle lasts and can then you can select the number of items in your box and choose the tampons and/or pads of your choice. No matter what your personal preference is – tampons during the day, pads at night you get to choose, right down to which brand you prefer.  Then once everything has been selected you sit and wait for your box to arrive and when it does, this is it:

Now for me, the box is quirky enough to put a smile on my face, especially the inside of the box with the 'How's it flowing' statement!  So inside my box other than my chosen choice of Tampons, pads and panty liners for my month we have the following:

Super Happiness Tea from BrewHaHa - A boutique tea brand from Glasgow that creates lovely teas in beautiful retro packaging using only the finest tea from Sri-Lanka.  This tea is a reviving Green Tea with warm vanilla & cherry marigold, this tea will give you a lovely glow.  Ingredients: Green Tea, Vanilla and Cherry Marigold.

Caramel and Sea-salt Chocolate from Chocolate & Love - Now I don't know about you girls, but I am a chocoholic at any time of the month, never mind THAT time of the month, but it is always welcomed with open arms and eaten before you have a chance to see it. This chocolate features the unique combination of Caramel and Sea-salt by the award winning and family owned chocolate brand Chocolate and Love. Now I'm not going to lie, it tastes absolutely amazing, you can tell it is made of the finest organic ingredients.

Au Lait Body Milk & Shower Gel from Scottish Fine Soaps - Now both of these bottles smell divine, at 50ml each, there is plenty to use on more than one occasion and they are perfect for a long weekend away.   Scottish Fine Soaps are a luxurious beauty brand whose products now sell in over 30 different countries around the world.

The Art Print by Olga Angelloz - Belarusian illustrator and designer Olga Angelloz combines fashion illustration and anthropomorphism in her latest project called 'Fashion Humanimals'.  As she is the Artist of the month, the card inside each box has been designed by Olga and I really like my print, it is both quirky and cute all rolled into one with the cat woman/model and famous Coco Chanel quote.

The final item in my box is a condom, im not sure anything else needs to be said about this. I love that it is included and find it an important part of the box.

As mentioned, this is a subscription box and it is a company/project run by Mags and Danielle who both quit their jobs to start this and I personally think it is brilliant and it is only a few weeks old. Now depending on how long/short your period is does reflect on the price of your box and you can find all the information you need on that HERE but what you do get to do is choose whether you have a monthly box or subscribe for 3 months at a time.  

The best part is that your package is shipped five days before you tell us your period is due, so you´re prepared and the boxes will always be discreet enough to ship to your office!

What do you think to Periodbox? 

Is it something you would purchase or gift to a friend?

Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Classics Edition

I am a huge perfume fan, love it and I am one of those people who loves perfume samples. What better way to decide whether or not you like the scent of something? We do it with make-up, so why not perfume? Back in April 2013 I brought to my blog a new subscription box from The Fragrance Shop Discovery Club which you can see HERE and again in June which is HERE and then September which is HERE, then the final box of 2013 HERE if you didn’t see it. Already in 2014 I have had the spring edition which you can find HERE, the summer edition which is HERE and the Autumn Edition which I showed not too long ago on my blog is HERE

For those of you not in the know this is the description of the box, which is a subscription:

"If you love fragrance, then you'll love our Discovery Club.

Our exciting new club allows you to explore the very latest fragrance launches from the comfort of your own home. For just £5 per quarter, each edition comes with fragrance samples for you to try, details on each of the fragrances included, as well as discount vouchers so you can make some big savings on all the scents featured."

Today I have before me the 'Classics Collection' to celebrate The Fragrance Shop's 2nd Birthday and I am super impressed with this box and this is what can be found inside.

Thierry Mugler Angel - Angel is a luxurious, chic and timeless fragrance, a delicate blend of exotic fruits, soft caramel, honey and chocolate combined with the captivating power of patchouli and vanilla. Top notes are Bergamot and Helional, with middle notes of Dewberry, Exotic fruits and Honey. Base notes are Vanilla, Chocolate, Patchouli and Caramel.  

No matter how many times I smell Angel, I dislike it.  I don't know what it is about the fragrance, but it definitely is not for me.

Jimmy Choo Parfum expresses an aura of strength and beauty and has a dazzling aura of glittering femininity. With top notes of mandarin orange and green pear, middle notes of orchid and base notes of toffee and patchouli, this fragrance is every bit as stylish as the eponymous shoe brand that bears the same name.

I like this but don't love it.  It is just a nice scent, quite floral and fruity without being too harsh on the nose.

Givenchy Very Irrésistible - A very dynamic sensual fragrance possessing the elegant floral top notes of rose and the exotic daring combination of peony and rose fantasia. A very appealing feminine scent by Givenchy.

This fragrance I adore and have purchased a full bottle of it through having a sample in a previous box.  Wonderful scent which lasts all day and is just lovely.

Touch of Pink By Lacoste which is a fruity floral fragrance for the youthful, energetic female with passion and power. Starting with notes of orange, coriander, peach, and cardamom. A heart of notes of carrot seed, jasmine and violet leaf boasting base notes of sandalwood, musk and vanilla.

One of my trusty faithful perfumes to go to.  Always have a bottle of this around and use it a lot more than I ever thought I would, more so because I am not a fan of things with Vanilla in them, but within this it is so light.

Lady Million Eau My Gold by Paco Rabanne  Lady Million Eau My Gold. The composition of this latest fragrance consists of notes of mango, neroli, bergmot, mandarin and grapefruit.

I am still sat on the fence with this scent, neither like or dislike it.

Nina Ricci - Nina - This magical fragrance is a promise of charm, enchantment and seductive femininity. A fresh floral-fruity fragrance with mouth watering red toffee apple accents.

Absolutely lovely scent and one I really enjoy using, would definitely feature on a wishlist to buy a full sized bottle of.

The final two samples are:

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique - The classic fragrance for women by Jean Paul Gaultier. The corset demonstrates confidence, romance, and timeless style, while the scent embodies femininity with a bewitching, voluptuous rose Eau de Parfum.

Not a fragrance I got too excited about i have to admit.  It is nice but that is really all I can say about it.  If I was given a bottle I would be happy about it, but I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase it.

The most exciting part for me is the Estée Lauder bottle which is just stunning, instead of just having a sample vial, within my box is this super dooper little bottle.

Estée Lauder Modern Muse - Be an inspiration. Experience the fragrance that captures your style, your confidence, your creative spirit. An alluring contrast of sparkling florals and sleek, sensual woods. 

Now this scent is really lovely, one you would perhaps use for special occasions rather than everyday wear.  It is the first time I have come across it and being honest I would it would be a bit 'Mumsy' and something I would buy my own mum, but actually it isn't.

Then we have some samples for the men folk which are

Hugo Boss, Boss Bottled - This is a fresh, crisp citrus aroma with a blend of oriental woods. It's sophisticated and confident created for the modern man. Featuring top notes of oakmoss, bergamot, apple and lemon a heart of mahogany, carnation and cinnamon and a base notes of sandalwood, vanilla, oak tree and cedar.

Sat on the fence with this one, it is alright but not one either of us would rush out to buy.

Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme - Since 1994, L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme has become a hallmark of sophistication in the world of fragrances. It awakens the senses with its blend of citrus, precious woods and spices. The pure, energising scent is perfect for a modern, independent man.

A hit with Steve and a scent he really likes and keeps hinting about! Better be good for Santa!

Paco Rabanne, Invictus for Men - This is purely energising and fresh. The attraction of sensual symbolises masculinity and power. Inhale the scent of victory. Top notes of grapefruit, mandarin orange and marine accords give way to bay leaf and jasmine middle notes. Finishing the scent we have guaiac wood, oakmoss, patchouli and ambergris.

As soon as Steve smelt this he wanted it, that is how nice a scent it is, so I bought him a full sized version and it really is lovely.

I have really enjoyed getting these boxes, from them both Steve and I have acquired quite a few fragrances because we have enjoyed the samples so much and it also helps having voucher codes for money off.

So what do you think to this quarters box? 

Are there any perfume samples you like the sound of?

Ted Baker Hanging Fragrance Gifts

Ted Baker has some new miniature hanging fragrance gifts which would look amazing on any Beauty Bloggers Christmas tree or be a stocking filler if you so please.  One of each for the boys and girls, each set comprises of 4 individually wrapped 5ml fragrances** and 9ml fragrances** for boys and better still, once opened they slip straight into your handbag for a night out.

The girls set has four amazing fragrances which are:

• XO Sophisticated and Timeless - this fragrance has top notes of Orange Blossom which is combined with Gardenia Jasmine, Tuberose and has base notes of a powdery musk. 
• X20 Vibrant and Passionate - Star Anise, Grapefruit and Sparkling Green notes are blended with Heart of Magnolia, Mirabelle Plum and Water Lily. 
• W Beautifully Exotic - A charming blend of Fig Leaf Accord, White Peony and African violet teamed with Pink Orchid, Cassis and Raspberry are complimented with a warm Cedar and vanilla base. 
• Woman Floral and Spicy - A Light, fresh fragrance with fruity top notes of Bergamot, Tangerine, Lemon, Apple, Peach and Rum. Floral and spicy extracts of Jasmine, Fressia, Rose, Ylang Ylang and Cinnamon with a musky woody base of vanilla and Vetyver.

For the men folk we also have a set of four fragrances which are

• XO Fresh, Green and Woody - Designed for the men who like the finer things in life. Fresh Green top notes lead to a heart of aromatic woods, red berries and ginger roots. Mixed with base notes of pink pepper and warm sensual spices.
• X20 Spcy and Intense - Top notes of Tangerine, Tea and Cardamom with Lavender, Rosemary Spices and Violet Leaves and a base of Black Pepper, Sandalwood and Amber.
• Skinwear: Enticingly Aromatic - Fresh zesty extracts of lime, bergamot and lemon are blended with notes of Rosemary, Cypress and Juniper with an enticing base of Sandalwood, Amber and Musk
• M: Understated Sophistication - Top notes of Tonka Bean, Musk and Vertiver which are combined with Coriander, Amber and a rich Woody Base.

I am sure you will agree with me that these tree hangers are simply stunning and having just launched at Debenhams they cost just £22 for a set of four, or should you prefer £6 each.

What do you think to Ted's hanging fragrances?