This summer I shoes flats!

I love shoes - I mean, seriously who doesn't?! Even Him Indoors has a collection that takes more space than mine, and it's not because he's got bigger feet...! When it comes to shoes I am definitely a high heel girl and the higher the heel, the more of an amazon I feel and I since I'm only 5'4 tall, I need all the heel help I can get. But in the summer, something strange happens and I'm not quite sure if it's because of the heat, or the different style of clothes I choose to wear, but I swap my towering heels for flats. Ballet pumps, gladiators, peep toes, espadrilles - almost any style will do but if they happen to have some sort of embellishment to satisfy the magpie in me, then even better. This year we're very lucky to see an amazing selection of flats on the high street in varying styles, colors and prices and here's a few of my favorites at the moment that shoes (see what I did there...) that you can find flats for any occasion or outfit - be it casual, elegant, beach, city chic or vintage at an affordable price.

From left to right:

River Island Diamante Embellished Sandals in coral (£40) // H&M Ballet Pumps in navy blue stripes and whites (£7.99) // Dune Steve Madden Ceaserr SM Dark Gladiators in dark brown (£65) // Kurt Geiger Miss KG Debbie Embellished Sandals (£49) in tan // Topshop Koala Espadrille Shoes (£45) in True Leopard // New Look Chunky Gold Chain Sandals (£22.99) in white // Dorothy Perkins Bling Toe Post Foot Bed (£25) in black // H&M Ballet Peep Toe Pumps (£9.99) in red // Dune Ladies Jaffy Metal T-bar Sandal (£65) in mint

Even though I'm sure I'll pick up a few more flats before this summer is over, I know I have already found my absolute favourites - you can have a look at them here on my Instagram, for me it just doesn't get much better than these! To all of a sudden being 5-6 inches shorter does have it's disadvantages that takes a little bit of getting used to, but with so many lovely flats to shoes from I don't really care that I now barely reach the pedals when I drive my car, that I need to ask for help in Waitrose to reach the top shelf or that Him Indoors keeps calling me Shorty - at least I'm a shorty in fabulous shoes!

Before I finish today, I'm very happy to announce the winner of the £30 ASOS voucher giveaway to celebrate that I've reached more than 2000 followers on Bloglovin'. Thank you SO SO much to everyone who entered and for all your lovely congratulation messages, but since there could be only one winner the lucky person this time around is Laura Ngiam. Congratulations and have lots of fun spending it at amazing ASOS!

I won a prize in the Fanny Crown Blogger Contest!

Good morning all, I hope you're enjoying the weekend! You may remember that I did a designer inspired post in April (Don't be distressed, be a Damsel in Dress with Fanny Crown) as a competition entry with Fanny Crown in which I picked one of their amazing dresses and then created a mood board around it.

 

I got some wonderful feedback and comments from all of you about my Dolce & Gabbana inspired article and I'm very happy and honoured to announce that Fanny Crown awarded me one of the 3 Bronze prizes amongst the April winners for my entry.

Thank you so SO much to Fanny Crown and everyone for all your support, and if you feel inspired to join in the competition that runs on a monthly basis, here's a reminder of the rules, so join in and have fun creating your dream outfit!

Need and want are different things... my latest H&M haul

A few weeks ago I took out my spring and summer clothes that had been packed away over winter to first of all remind myself what I've got already, and then I guess see if I possibly "needed" to get a few complimentary things this season. In truth I quickly established that I didn't NEED to get anything - I have enough clothes to be able to follow most of the trends this season a few times over, but as we all know that need and WANT are two completely different things. So while I was on the shopping ban wagon while I was in Sweden and managed very well to only try things on and then put them back again, which isn't nearly as much fun as actually buying - not to mention slightly masochistic, I spectacularly fell off the wagon in H&M a few weeks ago.

You might think that this was a bit of a lapse in self discipline, but if you think about it there are some clothes that are staple items in a wardrobe and therefore they really are "must have's", e.g. blazers. I don't think there's anything more timeless and classic than a tuxedo style jacket, which you can wear both for work and for play, and since I didn't have one in a nice neutral shade I had a gap in my jacket section that needed to be filled, which I happily did with this lined figure hugging Tuxedo Jacket in cognac brown  (£29.99). I think it'll be really useful not only as a transition jacket into summer, but it'll be chic in the autumn and winter too - in short we have a jacket for all seasons, and who can say no to that!

I have a few events coming up this spring and summer and since you can't really risk wearing the same dress in the same group of people (nooo, don't say this is just me...?!) I just HAD to get something new and the knee length Sleeveless Dress (£29.99) in dark turquoise is just perfect with it's slim top and pretty flaring skirt. I like the simplicity of it and with different statement necklaces and shoes, you can reinvent it over and over again - so it's definitely an investment, not a reckless spend! Breton stripes are all the rave this spring and summer season and although I did have one from last year it was looking a bit tired, depressed and lonely and since I'm a caring person I thought I would try and cheer it up by giving it some company in the shape of this white and red long sleeved Striped Top (£12.99). It's a fresh and casual top with little gold buttons on the shoulder, and it'll be nice for a nautical look says she who gets seasick in a rocking chair...

If you follow me on Instagram you may recognise these Sneakers (£29.99) that I picked up before I went to Sweden actually, and this purchase was entirely because of the weather. Here in the UK we've had the most amazing lovely spring days, but since they are about a month and a half behind us in terms of weather and temperature over there, I didn't quite know what to bring in terms of shoes - and these were a happy medium that would work in all weathers. These aren't really my style at all, but having worn them quite a lot now I have to say that not only are the very comfortable - not a word I can normally use about the shoes I tend to wear, but they're also quite chic and trendy with the quilted material and the metal chain at the back, they're a poor possums option to Chanel sneakers. I have a vivid imagination and can spin a yarn, but not even I can come up with a good reason why I had to get the studded snake imitation Bracelet (£5.99), try as I might. Fact is I just plain wanted it, guilty as charged! There you have it and as you can now tell I had some very good reasons why in the end I really needed to pick up most of these things that I initially first thought that I just wanted... for once wants turned into needs - isn't that fortunate!

Don't be distressed, be a Damsel in Dress with Fanny Crown

A couple of weeks ago I was very happy to receive an invitation to a blogger contest arranged by Fanny Crown, a Paris based company that sells an amazing range of dresses, to create a look based on something from their collection. And what a collection they offer - there are dresses for every occasion from wedding and proms to evening events and cocktails in every color of the rainbow, and you can even have some of the dresses tailor made for you. It's been a while since I did one of these moodboards and this was a great opportunity to create another one, and after having browsed and lusted after a long list of beautiful dresses I found THE Fanny Crown Cocktail Dress for me - a gorgeous dream in silk with a romantic floral pattern and a flowing hi-lo train on the side. For me it captures the spirit and mood of an early Summer evening in Italy, going out for some pre-dinner cocktails to enjoy the last of the evening sun before having dinner in a trattoria by the piazza. This dress also really makes me think of Dolce & Gabbana, the biggest source of fashion inspiration for me so I decided to style the dress using luxurious and playful accessories I can only dream of, for a full on magnificent Dolce & Gabbana Sicilian widow look.

Emphasizing the floral romantic theme of the dress, I've added a Floral Head Band with swarowski crystals, fresh water pearls and white flowers which looks beautiful on both long and short hair, and although the head band is a gorgeous piece of statement jewellery in itself, the look wouldn't be complete without some door knocker earrings and these Dolce & Gabbana Earrings with more pearls and enameled flowers are just perfect. The dress is long and flowing and although you can barely see the shoes, they are nevertheless a very important accessory and a pair of understated and classic Pointy Sling Back Kitten Heels from Lanvin adds a subtle touch of luxury with the python detailing at the tip, the strap and the heel of the shoe. There's nothing that says Summer and casual elegance like a woven raffia bag, and I love the contrasts of this Dolce & Gabbana Shoulder Bag between the very plain natural material and it's over the top and lavish embellishments of gold tone crystals and hardware. On to the finishing touches, and an outfit like this of course demands a dramatic statement lip, and the Tom Ford Lip Color in Cherry Lush is a lovely summer option with it's luscious raspberry red tone. Last but definitely not least we need a scent to frame the picture, and Dolce & Gabbanas latest creation - Dolce EdP really captures the mood. It's a delicate and feminine blend of white flowers and the typically Mediterranean scent of Neroli that adds an interesting edge to this very subtle and soft scent. 

I had so much fun creating this look and if you fancy taking part in the Fanny Crown Blogger Contest here's a link to the rules and a few examples of winning entries to get you inspired. If you've got a special occasion coming up I highly recommend that you keep the Fanny Crown Collection (ships worldwide) in mind for a gorgeous and memorable statement dress.

Chi Chi Clothing Erika Dress for cocktail hour

I don't know about you, but I would rather be over dressed than under dressed and I'll use any occasion as an excuse to dress up to the nines, especially if I've got a brand new gorgeous dress lying and waiting in a lovely bag somewhere. As you may know I've left Him Indoors to his own devices for a few days to fly off and spend some time with my family, but before I left we thought we would have a night out on the town with a great meal and champagne, which was the perfect opportunity for me to wear my latest little blue number from Chi Chi Clothing*.

This Chi Chi Erika Dress (£49.99) is a beautiful sleek sleeveless shift dress in a muted navy blue with gorgeous gold colored lace detailing. With it's low back and concealed zip it's a very chic and elegant evening dress, perfect for cocktail hour with some nibbles.  

Dress: Chi Chi Clothing // Shoes: ASOS // Cuffs: H&M // Ring: YSL // Nail polish: Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish in Marshmallow Heaven

I absolutely love this dress and if you're looking for a new dress for spring and summer, I would highly recommend that you have a look at Chi Chi Clothing's lovely new collection of dresses for any occasion - day, evening or party, and if you're a new customer you get 10% of your first order too. I'll see you at the checkout!

Persunma... what?

I'm usually quite quick in trying out and catching on to new online fashion stores, e.g. I started buying things from ASOS not long after they had started many moons ago, but somehow mysteriously this phenomenon called Persunmall has completely slipped me by unnoticed. Since Persunmall has now been around for a few while I realised that I needed to educate myself on what it is, after all we can't have any gaps on the shopping CV, so in the interest of furthering my shopping skills I placed my very first order. Persunmall has a very impressive range of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories, and I wasn't quite sure where to start, but when in doubt - always go for statement jewellery until you find your shopping feet! I could easily have shopped till I dropped since the selection is mind boggling and the prices are VERY affordable, but since this was my first experience I thought I would hold back a little bit and in the end I had a modest selection in my shopping basket of two shirts, two necklaces and a bracelet.

So let's talk a bit about my first impressions of Persunmall based on my first shopping experience. Some of the clothes and items on Persunmall are quite unique and you would need to look hard in vintage or boutiques to find something similar, but a lot of the pieces are very similar to what you might find on the high street and some of it is also very much "in the style of" the latest collections from different designers, but at bargain prices. The descriptions of the items are very good with great measurements given, to help you decide which size is right for you. If you in the end aren't happy with your purchase you can exchange or return your item within 30 days, although you will have to pay for the shipping fee or the cost to reship an item you've requested in another size. My advise is to be very careful if you're ordering heavy or bulky items like shoes, boots or bags since you have to return them to China. This is a a lesson I've learned the hard way on other online stores that haven't been generous with their return policy. If you're a new customer you get 15% off your first order and you also get free shipping if you like Persunmall on Facebook, so it's well worth doing.

Vintage Printed Long Sleeves Shirt (£13.80)

Red Lip Print Chiffon Shirt (£11.29)

Rhinestone Necklace with Gem Pendant (£8.15)

Similar - Hexagon Gem Bracelet with Rhinestones (£5.64)

I placed my order on Feb 6, and it was delivered on Feb 28 - that's quite a long turnaround time in my opinion and it might have been caused by the Chinese New Year, but judging by the delivery time guidance from Persunmall, this seems to be quite standard. You may remember that I said that I bought two necklaces, but in the photos I only show one - that is because only one of them was delivered and I haven't been told why or when the other necklace will arrive - if at all. Maybe I'm a very demanding customer, but I really would have expected to get a notification to say that there are delivery issues or something is out of stock, and good communication from a seller is a very important aspect for me and a lack of communication can influence if I choose that store again or not. 

Overall, Persunmall has a great and affordable lovely selection of items, and I am very happy with what I have received since it was exactly as described and with decent quality. However for me personally the fact that I didn't get all the items I had ordered without explanation is a big minus and at the moment I'm very much on the fence whether I think this is a great online store or not. The only way to find out is to place another order - and I'm not just saying this as a shopaholic, there is a serious point to it as well. One "so so" experience can definitely be an exception and I'm very willing to give Persunmall the benefit of the doubt, and for me the second experience will decide if this is a pattern and if it will become one of my go to online bargain places.

If you have bought things from Persunmall previously I would love to hear what your experience is, or let me know which your favorite online store is. 

Save it for a rainy day...

As I mentioned in yesterday's post I've been enjoying the fresh air lately, taking long daily walks with my camera and I certainly haven't let the rubbish weather stop me. Instead I have jumped into my Hunter's with a smile since every drop of rain justifies me buying them, put on a warm jacket, finger less gloves (the amateur photographer's best friend!) and with a massive tumbler of hot chocolate I have braved the elements. After you've been outdoors it's so lovely having a nice bath with some lovely oils to relax and heat you up from the inside out, and then snuggle up in front of the TV with something yummy - after all, you have just had a long and very tiring walk! Today I've put together some outfits that might inspire you to join in a daily walk, or at least you can use that as an excuse to buy something new and cute, and it doesn't get much cuter than this owl dress.

New Look Fur Trim Hooded Parka £49.99 // Hunter Tall Glitter Wellies £46.75 // Dorothy Perkins Black Owl Dress £24 // Etsy Camera Bag £30.12 // Accessorize Chunky Waffle Gloves £7 // Starbucks Hammered Tumbler in Rose Gold £14.95

 ASOS Sweatshirt with Lady and the Tramp £30 // Next Brushed Back Lounge Pants £20 // Aromatherapy Associates Miniature Bath Oil Collection £32 // Jo Malone London Rain White Jasmine Cologne £82 // Lily-Flame Mellow Figs and Garden Mint Scented Tin £8.50 // Michel Cluizel Chocolate Macaroons £7.19

It's so much fun creating mood boards like this and I really hope you liked the outfits. If there's a specific theme for a mood board you'd like me to do, please let me know in the comments section below, or tweet me (@makupbcandlelit). In a couple of hours it's wellie time again for me - Bring it on rain, Hunter and I are ready for you!

Water under the Bridge

I feel as if I've barely been outside in January. The days where it's not rained are few and far between and when you do see that big unfamiliar yellow thing in the sky - ah yes it's the sun, bloggers all over the country rush around to take as many photos as possible, while there's precious light and we all hurry out to enjoy it while it lasts. On this day we went down to the lake a couple of minutes away from the house for a walk and a cosy pub lunch at the Bridge Inn around the corner.

 

 

 

 Coat & Leather leggings: Next // Blouse: Jaeger //Shoe boots: H&M // Necklace: New Look // Ring: Vintage // Bag: Jimmy Choo

Although it's not actually cold at the moment I hate getting caught without a jacket, so I brought my belted off white Next coat that I've almost lived in this winter. It's a structured slightly military style coat with a stand up collar that you can buckle up and it's great both for day and evening wear. This was the first time I wore the Jaeger blouse that I bought in the sales after Christmas. It's a lovely thin, floaty and feminine cotton round neck blouse, and I really like the dainty pattern but to keep it from being too ditsy, I paired it with my charcoal grey leather leggings from Next and a long tribal golden disc necklace with gems from New Look - a real bargain at £2! The shoes boots from H&M with the high but chunky heel might seem a crazy option for a walk, but they are so comfortable I could run a marathon in them, and after all we were going for lunch as well... True to form I'm also wearing a statement ring and I this particular one I got years ago off eBay, and I love the gold metal discs and the green stones with its vintage feel. The handbag is my beloved Jimmy Choo and it's big enough to carry all my essentials, which these days also include a camera so it's perfect to bring for a leisurely day out. Hope you also get a chance to enjoy the few sporadic moments of sun we have to settle for at the moment and have a great day everyone! Xx

Sunny Sunday stroll

We were off to a rocky start this year in the UK with some horrible storms and rain that just wouldn't stop falling. But on a sunny Sunday with gorgeous Spring like weather everything comes alive; the daffodils are almost up and ready to spread some yellow joy, the city is filled with people going for a leisurely stroll, people are sitting outside in cafés and bistros and it's easy to forget that it is actually still only January - tell that to the shorts wearing guy I saw in town...

Blazer & Jumper: H&M // Straight Leg Jeans & Boots: Next // Scarf & Purse: Mulberry // Sunglasses: Gucci // Watch: Guess // Ring: New Look // Nails: Maybelline Color Show Nudes - In Your Flesh  & Maybelline Street Artist Top Coat - White Splatter

So we're literally shaking off our winter clothes, and at the moment it's enough to wear just a light jacket or even a warm jumper, and this navy collar less blazer from H&M is great for transitioning into Spring. I love the gentle nod towards military style with the single row of bronze buttons and even though it's casual it's stylish enough that you can wear it for work as well. Under the jacket I'm wearing a long sleeved cream colored angora mix jumper from H&M which is so soft and lovely. Since I'm wearing my jeans tucked into the boots, I'm wearing a pair with straight leg from Next and the boots (also from Next) are so practical and comfy, even I put my high heels aside every now and then. Sitting out in the sun can get a bit chilly in January so in addition to a hot chocolate to keep me warm, I've also got my Mulberry scarf - on one side it's wheat colored with the logo in beige and on the other side it's the other way around. Since I love chunky accessories I'm rarely seen without some form of statement piece and here I'm wearing a big bronze colored cocktail ring with a rusty red stone from New Look, a chunky gold boyfriend style watch from Guess and my Gucci sunglasses. I'm sure there are some more cold and miserable days in store for us, but Spring is in the air and I for one can't wait to slip into some delicious light pastel colors to celebrate the return of the sun. Have a wonderful day everyone! Xx

The Winter Style Challenge with Debenhams

For me one of the best ways to get style inspiration is to look at mood boards but I'd never thought about doing one myself, until I saw this exciting competition with Debenhams. You're asked to put together two different winter outfits using items from the Debenhams clothes range - one for a warm and cosy day time look, and one for the ultimate party look. There will be one very lucky person who will win a £500 Debenham voucher and in the pot is also £50 vouchers for two runners up. Each of the outfits have to be within a budget of £250 each, so armed with this fantasy amount I went shopping to create two different looks.

Look 1 - Winter Warmer

Warm and wrapped up but stylish for a nice and relaxing stroll in the park, followed by a decadent hot chocolate

Mantaray Mittens £12.60 // Quiz Fleece Lined Leggings £9.99 // Quiz Faux Fur Coat £49.99 // Red Herring Studded Beanie £4.80 // Red Herring Bouclé Scarf £7.50 // Dune Brogues £24 // Darling Jumper £29

Look 2 - Party Look

A nod to Old Hollywood glamour in an Audrey Hepburn inspired black lace dress and obligatory sunglasses to hide from any pesky paparazzi.

Mood Chunky Chain Bracelet £3.20 // Yumi Circle Lace Dress £30 // Infinite Watch £20 // Red Herring Sunglasses £7 // Faith Bowler Bag £31.20 // Dune Dita Ankle Strap Court Shoe £79

I had so much fun putting together the different outfits, and if you're tempted to join in, hurry up since the competition closes tomorrow, January 13. I'm definitely ready to go for some real shopping now but if you like this type of post and want to see more of them, please let me know in the comments. I'm really excited to hear what you think about the two outfits and also if you prefer one over the other - have a wonderful Sunday everyone! Xx

Shopping? What shopping?!

If you had asked me if I bought anything in the sales, my proud answer would have been: "No!" and I genuinely thought that was the honest answer. I must have been struck by shopping amnesia or something (it could also be denial...) because as evidenced in the photos below I clearly have done a fair amount of shopping and I don't really know how it happened... If you walk this through with me, perhaps I can recall these lost shopping memories, after all shopping is an enjoyable experience that should be remembered in all its glory.

I'm quite sure that the first purchase wasn't even my fault... it was actually Him Indoors who wanted to stop by Jaeger. As a dutiful wife I waited patiently while he was trying on LOTS of things, giving it thumbs up or down, and it was sheer torture since I had promised myself I wouldn't buy anything. Then I got a bit bored and started to wander around the shop when it happened - a little blouse just threw itself at me, demanding that I buy it. It's a long sleeved coral top in a straight up and down style, with a round neck and a dainty pattern of what looks like small cotton flowers in white and salmon pink. It's a demure style and not something I would usually go for, but I think it'll look fab with a leather pencil skirt and some high heels, after all the top was very persistent that I should get it so I'll just have to make the best of an awkward situation.

Then we had to exchange a Christmas present and that triggers a faint memory that I got a gianormous box from ASOS delivered. I like deliveries.... but I'm straying from the subject, anyway that gianormous box had Christmas presents in it, although I had to pick up a few other things as well to get free next day delivery. I had no choice, I needed to make sure that the Christmas presents for my family got there well in time before Christmas eve. I'm sure I had every intention of just trying these things on and then return them, but I don't think I ever did that - return them I mean. Among these necessities, there was a cute knitted and fitted powder pink River Island jumper that has a detachable embellishment at the front that looks like a necklace with lots of gorgeous sparkly crystals and a bright yellow accent. It's a very playful top and I think it'll work great as a Spring pastel.

There was also a rather cute bowling bag from New Look in a gorgeous deep burgundy color with gold toned fittings, and a detachable shoulder strap in just the right size for a casual stroll on the town, and a chunky gold toned chain style bracelet from River Island with little swarowski style gems.

 

Ok, so now I remember the goodies that I got from ASOS, let's see - what's left... Aaah yes, when I was in town getting all the beauty products I showed you in Tuesday's post, a watch managed to sneak its way into the shopping basket when I was in Debenhams and I was so carried away with the Lancome eye shadows I'd chosen I must have forgotten to put it back. It's a stainless steel look with little sparkles (of course... doh...) on the face and the bracelet is cut like little studs that create a shimmering effect. Accidental purchase or not - I know I'll get a lot of wear out of it.

When I was doing my bit as the supportive wife for the shopping-crazed Him Indoors, I altruistically suggested that we went to Ralph Lauren to pick up some shirts. We both walked out with a shopping bag, which wasn't at all part of the plan - I just wanted to be nice and suggest a good shop. What a great shop it is though, I could easily have bought one of each item in there! I ended up with another knitted and fitted jumper, this one in a lovely creamy off white color with a with shawl collar and a little equestrian inspired gold and leather clasp, which I'll think will be perfect for casual days with some boot cut dark blue jeans. I also got a sleeve less silk top with a v-neck, and sheer waterfall draping at the front in autumn jewel colors in a whimsical pattern. I think it would look fresh and stylish with some skinny trousers and a biker jacket.

Last stop of this shopping bonanza was everyone's favorite budget palace - Primark, and my memory must be coming back now since I clearly remember getting a Fair Isle jumper that I'd had my eye on before Christmas. I didn't get one then because I have more than enough of them, but I really liked the shades and think they're a bit different from what you'd usually see; cream, cerise, aubergine, dusky light purple and lots of other ones. It's such a cheerful top and since I already have worn it I can tell you that it's very snuggly and comfy. The very last item is a jacquard patterned scarf in a swirly pattern with slight shimmer to it in lovely neutral shades, glittering gold and warm pink.

Well there you have it - it's all come back to me now and thank you so much for helping me remember all the great things I ended up with, and I must say that our little spree was fun, not just because I ended up with some shopping bags for myself but also since we found some really great things for Him Indoors.

Please note that this is all written with a lot of humour and self deprecation, I don't actually have a problem with my memory, but if I did - I probably wouldn't remember that either...!

Dolce Christmas!

Today is Dec 24 - Christmas Eve, and for Scandinavians today is also the day when we celebrate Christmas. It's not because we're so impatient that we want to open our presents a day early, the reason is actually because back in the days of the Vikings a new day started at sunset, so the 25th started at sunset on the 24th rather than at midnight and Scandinavia has kept to that tradition when it comes to Christmas. So tonight I'll be celebrating with my loved ones, having far too much food and drink and giving presents. A couple of days ago I did a post on the color red, which is my preferred color of my Christmas outfit this year, so today I thought I would show you what I'm planning on wearing tonight.

Lace dress with belt: New Look // Shoes: Hobbs // Cameo earrings: ASOS // Bracelet: Dune // Ring: Yves Saint Laurent

After I've finished the preparation of all the Christmas food, it's time to swap the festive penguin leggings and Santa socks for something a bit more decent, and this year I'm taking inspiration from the stunning Dolce & Gabbana A/W collection by wearing a red lace dress from New Look. It comes with a black belt as you can see in one of the photos, but I don't think that the dress actually needs a belt so I won't be wearing it. Lace can be quite racy, but the overlay together with the 3/4 length sleeves shows just the right amount of skin for me. To stick with the red theme, I'm wearing red suede shoes with a shiny tip in the same color from Hobbs and with the 9 cm (3.5 inch) heels it's a very practical and comfortable height for running around doing my Hostess with the mostess duties. To add a feeling of the infamous Dolce & Gabbana opulence to the outfit, I'll be wearing statement earrings with a Cameo motif, a sparkly wide gold coloured cuff with crystals in an intricate pattern and a heavy cocktail ring. 

Dolce & Gabbana A&W 2013 Campaign photo

I hope you like the Dolce & Gabbana inspired look, for me it's perfect for Christmas and I might just add a chunky necklace as well. As it is the Christmas holidays I'm now taking a few days break from blogging to spend with my family, but I'll be back on Dec 28 for the last few posts in 2013.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you have a wonderful time with your loved ones! Xx