Nearly into our third month of the year already. The weathers going to pick up soon right? Although I noticed that it stayed light until 5.30 today. That makes me happier already. There’s something else that made me happy. A brand that I thought was no more came to the surface with an excellent sale. I was on it straight away!
But before I chat more about that, I’m going back to the middle of February, Valentine’s day.
When Valentine’s day was approaching I was contacted by John Henric a menswear brand and I was asked if I would like to choose a gift for my partner to feature on Instagram.
What a great idea I thought. I don’t go overboard on Valentine’s day, a card and maybe a small gift.
Looking at the John Henric website I noticed what great accessories there were available. I knew a good laptop case would be appreciated and the choices look very plush.
On arrival, and my inspection, the excellent quality of the leather and hardware. Its size surprised me and although it’s great for a laptop case, I couldn’t help thinking what a great overnight bag it would be for travelling to London on my flying visits.
Would it be wrong to keep it? I felt a little guilty but Yep, I kept it for myself! Naughty but hey, what my valentine doesn’t know won’t hurt will it? So the afternoon before valentines day arrived I was out looking for that small gift at short notice. None the wiser, we were both happy!
If you are looking for a gift for your loved one then John Henric has some great gift ideas and the clothing is pretty cool too. I’ve used it as an overnight bag twice already and it’s perfect.
I realised after taking this photo how accessories just so maketh the outfit. Take them away and the outfit would have looked really bland. I’m wearing my new Baukjen jumper on repeat, repeat and repeat.
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A brand I thought was forgotten. What I’ve been buying
I was saddened last year when I heard that Karen Millen and Coast Uk went under. Karen Millen was always my wish brand. Birthdays, Christmas and special occasions I would head straight to Karen Millen. Supherb quality and classic yet on-trend items. Tailoring was exceptional and I still have some items purchased some years ago that are still good as new and I wouldn’t part with.
I do think Karen Millen started to cater for the more trend-led younger females and I did start to lose interest. Or was it just that I had grown older?
Coast Uk was the brand you would view if you were attending a wedding. Same again exceptional quality and I was lucky enough to work with Coast Uk a couple of years ago.
Both brands were rescued by Boo Hoo.com for a while and then disappeared. And somehow an email dropped saying about a sale that was on for the brands. I expected the sale to be what was left over to finish up and be no more but on looking I discovered otherwise.
Dresses from £25.00 on Coast Fashion sounded good to me and I jumped straight over. I spotted this multi-coloured pleated dress for £30.00 and hit the buy button. And very pleased with it I am.
I waited for some light and the rain to stop to dash out and take some photos to no avail, the wind was howling and within a couple of minutes the rain was back again, so indoor photos it is.
I go from one end of the scale to another! This makes a change from the neutral wardrobe you often see me in. But I do love a vibrant print every now and then. A navy blazer over the top works well too.
I’m really pleased with the dress and there’s so much more that I’d like to buy on either Coast Fashion or Karen Millen. Some of the prices are really good too. I thought I’d let you all know that these brands are still around.
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A small change that made a huge difference
You may have seen on my stories via Instagram the small change that made such a big difference to my room. If you saw the room renovation on film or the blog post you will have seen that I had my desk with a shelving unit in place of these cupboards. (they are bookcases with doors attached)
Hanging or stacking my shoes and boots in the wardrobes was making everything cramped and it drove me mad trying to find whatever pair I wanted to wear. Plus my bags were getting really dusty with all the work going on in the house.
These are from Ikea. Billy bookcases with doors that you can buy to add on. I’m so pleased I took the plunge and purchased these. No more searching for shoes! The two cupboards with doors cost just under two hundred which I thought was worth it.
A new brand on my radar
I’m looking for a good sustainable white shirt for this summer or all year round really. I stumbled across the Gant site looking online and they have a gorgeous SS2020 collection. This is the best shirt I’ve spotted so far on the Gant site and they are actually running a campaign about sustainability over there. Worth a look.
A heads up – Review
You may remember I wrote on my New In Beauty 2020 post about the Skin Chemists Retinol Bi-phase Serum?
I’ve been using twice weekly at night for the last few weeks and I love it! I wouldn’t say that it’s lessened any wrinkles but my skin is so much clearer!
I didn’t realise I had such an uneven skin tone but I really have noticed such a difference. I’m hoping to try the Glycolic Serum next. Skin Chemists is well worth a look and it’s not pricey either.
On Film
A film all about how I like to style my Neutrals
A sort of weekly vlog. That run over a couple of weeks! Epic fail! There’s no vlog from me this week because I literally lost my voice because of that cold I spoke about last week.
I hope you can pop over though and let me know what you think. Grateful.
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XO LAURIE
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That’s a great travel bag, does your husband not read your blog? lol. I’ve got a few items from Coast over the past few years, but I favour Phase 8 for wedding outfits. Thanks for linking up with #pocolo and hope to see you back tomorrow
Oh my ! Totally love your shoe storage, how fab. And I need more boots!! Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
Wow, Laurie, so many great things in one post. That laptop case/overnight bag is gorgeous! I love the color and it looks like really great quality. And that dress is super cool. A different side of you with the bold colors and pattern mix. I love it! And again with the closet envy coming from over here. Ha. Thanks for linking up.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I was reading that an entrepreneur has “bought up” several lost brands and is planning to rent space in empty department stores to showcase them once more – good news. It’s always sad when a brand we liked disappears. Thanks for the intro to Skin Chemists. The laptop bag certainly looks very luxurious and perfect for weekend trips.
Author
Really impressed with the Skin Chemists Gail. A good intro to Retinol for me. I haven’t had any irritation at all and my skin is so much clearer already xx
Of course, you keep the bag for yourself. It is a great bag. I love your display shoe cupboard. Thank you for sharing this post with My Red Carpet.
Anna
Author
Thanks Anna. Everyone seems to think the same way about the bag. I don’t feel so guilty now! xx
I love this bookcase turned shoe and bag wardrobe! What a great idea!
I hope you have a fabulous week!
Amber
Author
Thanks Amber. I’m really pleased with how it turned out. Thanks for stopping by xx
What a great way to display your shoe and handbag collection! I love the bright blue in your dress. Brights are calling my name lately as I am getting tired of the weekly rainy days!
Author
Thanks, Mireille. Both you and I are fed up with rainy days! xx
That’s a great overnight bag – I’m not surprised you kept it for yourself…I’d have done the same! I love your dress, the style and print are beautiful. I bought storage for my shoes and bags from IKEA too but somehow it still looks a mess,unlike your room which is very neat! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
Author
Haha! These cupboards are new Emma! Give it time and I’m sure these will look messy too. I’m hoping that each time I get a new pair of shoes/boots I will get rid of one pair. Who am I kidding! xx
Love that you kept the bag. What great information you have in this post. That retinol looks great and I am envious of your wardrobe… how beautifully presented are your shoes and bags now.
Author
Thanks so much Hilda. I totally recommend Skin Chemists. I’m amazed at the difference it’s made.
Nothing wrong with keeping the bag, Laurie but how you be sure that your partner didn’t read your blog, hence would discover your deed. Totally love the dress from Coast and layering the blazer over it transfers it to a different level. Like how you utilise Ikea bookshelves into your shoes and handbag closet. Have a great week
I have those cupboards from Ikea to store my yarn in. I didn’t think about the doors though…I like that idea.
XOXO
Jodie
I love your shoe cupboard Laurie, I want 🙂 Such a beautiful dress. Just the kind of dress I would pick too. Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays 🙂
Wow – your cupboards make it look like a high-end shop! Drooling with envy…
Hope you got your voice back L.
I love your cupboards, might have to steal that one !!
Ash xxxx
I love a blazer that can be used for so many different occasions #anythinggoes@_karendennis
That shoe and bag closet is a dream!! Fan-tas-tic! And I love that dress, really have to check out that brand, it’s gorgeous.
How great you could shop the closing sales! I see why you kept that bag too, it’s a great overnight size! I’m admiring your bag and shoe storage too! I have an IKEA bookcase re purposed as a handbag storage unit also and it’s my dream – so nice seeing everything in one place! 🙂
Hope that you had a lovely weekend 🙂
The colours in that dress is so beautiful, Laurie and I love wrapping the belt around the outside of the blazer!! Have a great week, lovely!!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
Author
Thanks, Donna. The belt over the jacket is a nice little waist cincher! xx
I’m all over that dress – the colours – woah! And I’m all over those cupboards! I’ll be keeping them in mind as we’ve just got our planning permission!!! Yay – it will be a while, but I can’t wait to be styling my new house. xx Jacqui
Author
Thanks, Jacqui. I was really impressed with the sale bargains. I bet you can’t wait to start renovating xx