A Green Theme at Blenheim Palace

Jacket: ZARA (sold out - similar here, in the sale) Dress: ASOS. Shoes: c/o UGG Australia. Earrings: Dior (similar here). Sunglasses: Miu Miu. - - -  We all know that summer is the season of outdoor events, and whether it be a graduation, a garden party or a barbecue - if you're like me, you'll want to dress up a little. I think that most of us girls enjoy wearing heels to a special occasion, not only for the extra height, but the added elegance (and if we're being honest, the level of 'sassiness' that comes along with a  good pair of heels). However, when it comes to summertime events, there's the tricky business of heels v. grass. How many of us have attempted to 'walk' across grass in heels by putting all of our weight into the front of our feet in a kind of giraffe-like totter. I like giraffes as much as the next person but unless it's animal-themed fancy dress, I don't particularly want to resemble one.
So, when UGG Australia contacted me, asking if I'd like to pick something out from their website, I was surprised to find that they offer a lot more than their famous boot - which, being honest, hasn't ever really tickled my pointy shoe loving fancy. I had my eye on a patent pair of pointed black flats until I saw these leather, wood-look wedges. 'Wedges!' I thought, the perfect answer to the heel v. grass dilemma of the summer! Having made up my mind, I decided to take them for a spin around the grounds of Blenheim Palace; home of grass. Lots of grass. And gravel. And obviously a beautiful palace. 
I wanted to go for a particular colour scheme, and as the entire purpose of this mission was to defeat the arch nemesis of the heel; 'grass' - I thought I'd go the whole hog and wear green too. A green theme! It's fair to say that I gave them a thorough test-run on all sorts of terrain; grass, gravel, cobbled paths (saying 'terrain' makes it sound like I was testing a quad bike, but I like it) and it felt so strange to be able to walk around the grounds so freely, not sinking into the grass. I did get a few funny looks walking around in heels on a casual day out (as expected) but they just didn't understand that I was conducting highly important shoe-testing business, and I am happy to report that they were incredibly comfortable, the leather was super soft and they didn't feel clompy at all. The added platform also erased a problem I'd never really thought of - the raised sole means that you don't get gravel trying to hitch a ride in your sandals. I'm definitely planning on wearing them to my next outdoor event!
I've been officially turned to the way of the wedge. *This post is sponsored by UGG Australia. If you'd like to read more about my views on sponsored posts, please take a look at my 'About' tab!*

Happy New Year from Singapore!

Hello all, and Happy New Year!
I hope you've all been having a wonderful festive period, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. This December, I've been back in Singapore (long-time readers may remember my last trip a couple of years ago!) since mid December visiting family again, and I write this to you from 30 degree heat - so, naturally it's important that my New Year's Eve outfit be relatively cool and climate-appropriate. Unsurprisingly, my choices were rather hindered by my taste and this criteria. I'd usually go for something with sleeves and perhaps a voluminous skirt with some netting. In this weather - that's a no-no. So when ASOS kindly offered to send me an outfit for New Year's Eve - I was off like a shot to scour the website. After much perusing, I found this little darling. It's lightweight, non-restrictive, beautifully patterned fabric will keep me cool whilst it's ingenious built-in support around the structured chest area will keep me... thoroughly in place, shall we say? The fabric is also excellently 'stiff' (strange compliment I realise but bear with) which is important to me when it comes to a short skirt - it'll keep the skirt pointing at the floor, rather than up around my head when the wind blows. An important feature when I'll be taking in the NYE fireworks from a rooftop here in Singapore! No one wants to see in the new year along with my bottom. 
On that note, Happy New Year to you all from Singapore! Usual posts will resume when I'm back in the UK early January.
Finally, amongst our celebrations tonight let's try and take a moment to think of those who were on board Air Asia flight QZ8501, as well as their family members who will be starting the new year without their loves ones.
Dress: c/o ASOS. Earrings: c/o ASOS (out of stock - but I'd also wear these with this outfit!)

Paris Outfit : Ruffle Shoulder Dress / Pink and Mint Jewel Necklace

Hello all!

...or perhaps more appropriately, bonjour!

I'm back. Do you still remember me? You may have seen from my twitter that I spent the last week in beautiful Paris and it was absolutely wonderful. I'm also sorry for being a very naughty blogger and not scheduling any posts to pop up while I was away. Slap on the wrist for me, but I hope you'll enjoy the series of Paris outfits to come, of which this is the first. I particularly like this one shouldered ruffle dress because it's 100% cotton and so perfect for hot weather! The only downside being it's ever so slightly see through and I was informed by a reliable source that you could vaguely see my knickers in the sunlight. This is obviously not ideal when trying to look all cool and parisian. Let's just hope my usual massive necklace detracted from any flashing possibilities. 

On Monday, we arrived on the Eurostar and did the usual check in and unpack, or in my case - open my suitcase and stir the mess around a bit. Lets just say I'm not an efficient packer. Unfortunately, upon entering France my phone announced 'sim invalid' and has been broken ever since - so I'm having instagram withdrawal. Carl and I then ventured out onto the scorchingly hot Champs Elysees Avenue and made the obligatory trip to Laduree for macaroons, cakes and non-alcoholic cocktails (it was only 5pm afterall.) After that, we made our way to the Arc de Triomphe (oh good grief so many steps to the top) stopping along the way to take some outfit pictures. 

I thought it might be quite sweet to include some scene setting holiday photos along with the outfit ones, so please let me know if you enjoy these and I'll keep including them with the accompanying outfits!

Dress & Belt : ASOS. Necklace & Shoes : ZARA. Sunglasses : Miu Miu c/o Sunglasses Shop. Earrings : H&M. Bag : Chanel (and when is a Chanel bag ever more appropriate than in Paris?)

Sheer Floral Maxi Dress / Wide Brim Hat / Gold Belt

Hello all!

 A floral dress is the absolute epitome of spring/summer, so I didn't need any persuading to put on this beautiful sheer skirted, floral maxi dress that I've been longing to wear since I acquired it several weeks ago. I particularly love the dainty, elegant sleeves and the beautiful movement in the skirt as you walk. Of course, the need for a big hat goes without saying. I feel the neckline is perhaps a little daring for me, but I like to think the length of the skirt helps me just about get away with it without looking a bit... overly cheeky for the daytime. Let me know what you think - not cheeky at all? Far too cheeky? Perfect balance of cheekiness? (As of now, cheeky is my word of the day.)

Dress : ASOS. Belt : Urban Outfitters. Shoes : Office. Hat : ZARA. Sunglasses : Miu Miu.