Outfit: Floral Skater Dress with Rose Gold Sandals

June 25, 2015, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Days Out: The Lake District

≪ Previous: Outfit: Lace Shift Dress.Leopard Scarf and Sandals

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Another warm (but not sunny) day, another chance to wear a dress!

My friend and boutique co-owner Sally and I were out on the road again with our pop-up accessories boutique at another corporate venue close to Skipton. 

Our scarves always proved popular but we have been amazed by how successful the jewellery range has been. In fact we sold out of the wrap bracelet that I'm wearing today. We are looking to expand the range and are hoping to source new stock next week.

It is the copy deadline for Aspire magazine tomorrow so it always frantic as we have to check proofs and send the final few articles to our graphic designer, so that's what I spent the later part of the afternoon doing.

And this evening I'm going out with my friend Louise to see Pam Ayers in the Grassington Arts Festival. I had the privilege of interviewing her for Aspire so it will be lovely to see her show.

I love this dress. I first wore it for a Valentine's dinner date so it I always feel happy in it.

Love Liz x

I styled this dress in two other different ways in my blog post about transitional dressing. It is really very versatile.

Outfit Details

Portabello Dress in peach: Closet Clothing SS15 £55

Cardigan, Next SS15
Bowling Bag, Boden SS14
Wrap Bracelet,What Lizzy Loves Boutique (currently sold out but we are hoping to get more stock).
Ring, handmade by Sally
Rose gold sandals, Boden SS14

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Days Out: The Lake District

June 27, 2015, 1:39 pm

≫ Next: Outfit: Floral Roses Summer Dress

≪ Previous: Outfit: Floral Skater Dress with Rose Gold Sandals

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Yesterday's weather couldn't have been more different from today's. Yesterday was wall to wall rain. Today was wall to wall sunshine.

And it was yesterday, in the inclement weather, that Adam and I went to the Lake District. 

We parked in Ambleside...

...before taking a lake cruise across Lake Windermere to Bowness.

Where we had lunch with a view at The Ship Inn.

I thought the angry, brooding clouds were stunning.

Love Liz x

Outfit Details

*Striped Trench Coat, Laura Ashley SS15

Skinny Ankle Skimmers, Boden

*Dawson Revel Brogues, £40 Clarks SS15

Outfit: Floral Roses Summer Dress

June 29, 2015, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Outfit: Grey Scalloped Top, Denim Shorts and a Statement Necklace.

≪ Previous: Days Out: The Lake District

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Well if the weather forecasters are to be believed, today marks the start of a heatwave predicted to last for around a week. It was certainly warm and bright today and it enabled me to get several loads of washing dried within a very short time. Between working and doing a supermarket shop I did a little gardening and ate my lunch al-fresco. 

I really do try to make the most of every sunny opportunity and am fortunate that I work from home.

This dress has been a favourite for at least four summers. I never tire of the floral rose pattern and the feminine silhouette.

I have a few containers on my patio and this beautiful rose came into bloom over the weekend. It has the most beautiful delicate fragrance and I feel happy just looking at it.

Love Liz x

I wore this dress with different accessories (on this exact date last year, co-incidentally), for a tea party.

Outfit Details
Floral dress, Joules
Hummingbird watch, Olivia Burton
Small Cookie Cutter Bayswater Satchel in Oak, Mulberry
Rose gold sandals, Boden SS14
*Leather Wrap Bracelet with Crystal Heart, Danon £58

Outfit: Grey Scalloped Top, Denim Shorts and a Statement Necklace.

June 30, 2015, 11:39 am

≫ Next: Outfit: Floral Shorts and Gladiator Sandals

≪ Previous: Outfit: Floral Roses Summer Dress

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Today has been another very hot and humid one, something we're not very used to here in North Yorkshire! I wanted to wear shorts but with something a little smarter than a t shirt.

This grey scalloped edge top is another favourite from several summers ago. 

My statement necklace is courtesy of Happiness Boutique, an online treasure trove of beautiful clothes and accessories. 

I love the grey and neutral tones with the (almost neon) yellow.

It arrived beautifully packaged with a bookmark featuring a lovely quote about happiness.

Love Liz x

Outfit Details

Grey broderie top, Bden

Denim shorts, Fat Face SS14

Rose gold sandals, Boden SS14

*Be Beautiful Statement Necklace in yellow, Happiness Boutique 22,90Euro

My necklace was a gift from Happiness Boutique. All opinions are 100% honest and all content is my own.

Outfit: Floral Shorts and Gladiator Sandals

July 1, 2015, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Outfit: Yellow Lace-Edged Beach Dress

≪ Previous: Outfit: Grey Scalloped Top, Denim Shorts and a Statement Necklace.

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Today has been the hottest day of the year so far here in North Yorkshire. It is so lovely to see everywhere bathed in bright sunshine and a blue sky is always a welcome sight. 

I did a lot of gardening yesterday, cutting the grass and digging out a border then planting some plants that my friend Annemarie, a professional gardener, had been growing for me since she first knew I would have a blank canvas here in my new home. Despite it being quite back breaking (and as it happened, literaly both spade-breaking and trowel-breaking), I enjoyed getting my hands dirty and thinking ahead to how it will look in years to come. 

But it has already made a difference. A touch of colour here and there from delicate young blooms made my al-fresco lunch even more of a treat. 

I went into town after lunch for the usual array of errands and then on to my friend Sally's for a quick catch-up. I opted for lightweight cotton floral shorts with a pretty embroidered top. Everything has seen several summers including my tan gladiator sandals and beloved Mulberry Bayswater satchel.

Love Liz x

I wore these shorts with different accessories for the most beautiful walk along the beach on my summer holiday in Porto Santo last year.

Outfit Details

Bright pink embroidered top, Fat Face

Blue floral shorts, Joules

Tan leather gladiator sandals, Clarks

Sunglasses, Boden

Small Bayswater Cookie Cutter Satchel in Oak leather, Mulberry.

Outfit: Yellow Lace-Edged Beach Dress

July 2, 2015, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Outfit: White Lace Dress and Strappy Tan Heels

≪ Previous: Outfit: Floral Shorts and Gladiator Sandals

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It has probably not gone unnoticed that I love the colour yellow. I drive a bright yellow car and my favourite handbag, featured countless times on my blog, is a gorgeous sulphur shade. 

This beach dress in a delicate lemon shade is incredbly light and billowy. Perfect for hot days like these. It's made from a beautiful lightweight cotton, is semi-sheer and has the most exquisite lace detail. I absolutely love it.

Love Liz x

Outfit Details
*Lydia Yellow Sundress, UK Swimwear £49.95 SS15
Snakeprint wedge sandals "Pafos Emery", Clarks SS14
Bracelets, (right hand) Bella Jane Jewellery.
* Leather Wrap Bracelet (left hand) with Crystal Heart,Danon £58

It is worth noting that I am a UK size 10-12. This dress is cut generously and I am wearing a size small.
It is semi-sheer.

This dress was a gift from UK Swimwear. All opinions are 100% honest and all content is my own.

Outfit: White Lace Dress and Strappy Tan Heels

July 4, 2015, 11:05 am

≫ Next: Outfit:Floral Tea Dress with Glitter Jimmy Choos

≪ Previous: Outfit: Yellow Lace-Edged Beach Dress

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I had a lovely evening out last night with my fellow football mums. Our sons all play in a local team and the friendship between us has grown each season. It was a beautiful evening and we were able to sit outside to enjoy a few glasses of Prosecco and a chat without having to dodge footballs and tend to various injuries as we do when pitch side.

We spent most of today watching them play in the last tournament of the season. They did very well and reached the semi-final. 

This is another of my favourite summer dresses from last year. I am often drawn to feminine, romantic lace and this is so pretty that I feel it speaks for itself and needs little or no accessorising. 

My friend was driving and because it spared me walking, I was able to wear these very high shoes, which are actually very comfortable and are around eight years old.

Love Liz x

I wore this dress last summer with wedge sandals and also when on holiday abroad with rose gold sandals

Outfit Details

White embroidered dress, Heine at Kaleidoscope, SS14

Strappy high heeled tan leather sandals, Nine West.

Hummingbird watch, Olivia Burton SS14

Outfit:Floral Tea Dress with Glitter Jimmy Choos

July 5, 2015, 1:54 pm

≫ Next: Beauty: Dominican Haircare Treatment Mask

≪ Previous: Outfit: White Lace Dress and Strappy Tan Heels

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I had a lovely time at my parents' home today along with my brothers and their families. We all have busy lives and it is increasingly difficult to find a date to suit all of us so it felt like an extra special occasion. 

It's my youngest brother's birthday next week so we were able to celebrate it early with him.

My dress is from last year. A 1940s vintage style floral tea dress that I feel very feminine and romantic in. My champagne glitter Jimmy Choos are my favourite ever shoes and I love them as much now as I did when I got them more than five years ago.

And how beautiful is this lavender that my mum picked for me. I've put it next to my bed and am hoping for a long sleep and sweet dreams.

Love Liz x

Vintage style floral tea dress,Fever London SS14

"Tahiti" champagne glitter shoes, Jimmy Choo

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Beauty: Dominican Haircare Treatment Mask

July 6, 2015, 11:13 am

≫ Next: Small Businesses: Munchkins, Skipton

≪ Previous: Outfit:Floral Tea Dress with Glitter Jimmy Choos

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I wash and blow dry my hair every day and use hair straighteners or curling tongs almost every day. I get my hair trimmed religiously every six weeks, but inevitably, the heat takes its toll and sometimes, I like to use something more than my regular daily shampoo and conditioner. 

I have been trying the Biotina Treatment Mask from Dominican Hair Care

The mask is enriched with vitamins E, H (biotin) and B5. it promises to repair breakage and bring back suppleness, restore body and volume and body and leave hair with a noticeable sheen.

I've been using it for several weeks now.

It has a rich, creamy consistency and the directions suggest combing through wet hair and leaving for 30 minutes before rinsing. When I first used it, I did just that and took the opportunity to indulge in a rare bath and put on a face treatment mask at the same time. 

I could tell as soon as I rinsed my hair that it felt softer and smoother. It was much easier to comb through too. The mask has a beautiful scent which left a subtle fragrance even when my hair had been dried.

Since then, I have used the mask regularly as a normal conditioner whilst in the shower, leaving it on for a few minutes only and I am equally impressed with the results.

I think my hair looks healthier and glossier and is definitely smoother. I highly recommend it.

Love Liz x

Take a look at the Dominican Haircare Facebook page for more information and giveaways.

My Biotina Treatment Mask was a gift from Dominican Hair Care. All opinions are 100% honest and all content is my own.

Small Businesses: Munchkins, Skipton

July 9, 2015, 8:40 am

≫ Next: Outfit: Dragonfly Print Midi Dress and Glittery Jimmy Choos

≪ Previous: Beauty: Dominican Haircare Treatment Mask

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Just over a month ago, I mentioned a fab woman that I interviewed her for a feature I wrote for Aspire Magazine. I promised to say a little more about her and her business once the magazine went to print. 

Sheri McDonagh is a mother of four with a background in operational customer service, who after a serious illness decided she wanted a change in career. She opened Munchkins, a treasure trove, an Aladdin’s Cave of beautiful home accessories, jewellery, gifts and women’s clothing in Skipton in 2012.

Munchkins stocks well-known brands including Di Palomo, an indulgent range of bath, body and fragrance products, Wrendale homeware and greetings cards and Dansk, a beautiful and elegant jewellery collection from Copenhagen. A new brand is Marmalade of London. All products are handmade in the UK and the range of candles, reed diffusers and bath and body products is exquisite. 

It is so beautiful in there and everything is very much to my taste so I spent rather a long while browsing after we had finished "work" which was actually a lovely chat and not really an interview.

The clothing collection is all Italian designs, all a little unusual and all very stylish. There is a comfortable and spacious changing area upstairs on the first floor and Sheri regularly opens up out of hours to meet customers’ specific needs.  

I came away with this gorgeous double-layered navy top which has the cutest bow on the back (full outfit details here).

So, if you are visiting Skipton, do go and say hello to Sheri and tell her I sent you. She'll offer you a warm, friendly Yorkshire welcome and you can browse to your heart's content.

Love Liz x

Munchkins Interiors & Gifts

80 High Street

Skipton

BD23 1JJ

01756 794661

Sheri's website.

Outfit: Dragonfly Print Midi Dress and Glittery Jimmy Choos

July 12, 2015, 11:44 am

≫ Next: Outfit: Floaty Flower Top and Skinny Jeans

≪ Previous: Small Businesses: Munchkins, Skipton

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This week has been somewhat of a blur after I succumbed to a tummy bug on Tuesday and spent that evening and night looking after my son who had the same. 

Work wise it has been a write-off as I had to cancel several meetings and my outfits and pallor would not have made nice viewing on my blog, so the big catch-up starts tomorrow.

Last night was the end of season awards ceremony at my son's football club, always a lovely family event. Several of the age groups won their respective leagues this season so there was much to celebrate. 

I wore this stunning midi dress by Ted Baker. It was the print, specifically the dragonflies, (mayflies?) that caught my eye, along with the beautiful colour. The midi is a new length for me and I like it a lot. The dress hangs beautifully courtesy of the thick stretchy fabric and it is very comfortable.

It was the perfect excuse to wear my champagne glitter Jimmy Choos again too.

Love Liz x

I wore my glittery Jimmy Choos with a metallic sequinned dress for a wedding last year and with a vintage style tea dressfor lunch at my parents' just last week as well as in numerous other blog posts. They were an investment and I try to wear them as often as I can.

And finally...I styled a bikini a few weeks ago as part of a blogger style challenge hosted by Bonprix.. I would love it if you would follow this link to the Bonprix blog and leave a comment at the end of their page about my bikini. The woman with the most comments will win. Thank you very much x

Outfit Details
Ravina, Distinguishing Rose Midi Dress, Ted Baker SS15
Tahiti Shoes in Champagne Glitter, Jimmy Choo
Pewter Clutch. Boden AW13
Hummingbird Watch, Olivia Burton SS14

Outfit: Floaty Flower Top and Skinny Jeans

July 13, 2015, 12:27 pm

≫ Next: Outfit: Denim Shorts, Broderie Tee and Silver Sandals

≪ Previous: Outfit: Dragonfly Print Midi Dress and Glittery Jimmy Choos

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We spent a lovely few hours in the beautiful Dales village of Grassington yesterday. It's only a 15 minute drive from Skipton and is well worth a visit if you're in the area. Tearooms, gift shops and no mobile phone signal. It's a blissful escape.

I wore a new top from Mandy's Heaven, a start-up business run from a thatched cottage in the Hertfordshire Countryside. They specialise in Italian and French clothing, something a little different. 

It was quite breezy, as my hair will attest. Perfect for letting this top flutter.

The scent from the roses and honeysuckle behind the pillar box was absolutely divine.

And I couldn't resist photographing this gorgeous property. You can see the length of my top at the back too. 

Mandy's Heaven has a lovely wide range of clothing and accessories including jewellery and shoes and a wonderful summer shop.
I am always keen to support small businesses especially those run by women and there is so much to choose from so do take a look. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Readers of my blog will receive a 15% discount at Mandy's Heaven with the code LIZZYLOVES15.

Love Liz x

Outfit Details
*Silk Flower Floaty Top, Mandy's Boutique £34
Skinny Jeans, Boden £49
Carousel Ride Nude Ballerinas, Clarks £32
Westminster Bag, Boden SS15
Butterflies watch, Olivia Burton

My top is silk with a jersey layer underneath.
It comes in a selection of colours including light taupe and pink and is in one size to fit sizes 10-18. I am a UK size 10-12.
My top was a gift from Mandy's Heaven. All opinions are 100% honest and all content is my own.

Outfit: Denim Shorts, Broderie Tee and Silver Sandals

July 15, 2015, 2:08 pm

≫ Next: Outfit: Floral Top with Gold Wrap Bracelet

≪ Previous: Outfit: Floaty Flower Top and Skinny Jeans

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It's the final week of term for both of my children and as the summer holidays approach, it was nice to feel a little summery again. I met with a friend for coffee this morning and did housework and magazine work for the rest of the day. 

I felt like wearing a simple outfit today, mainly because I have a new pair of shiny silver sandals and a new sparkly bracelet which speak for themselves. The sandals are my only purchase from the Boden summer sale. They are to replace my beloved rose gold ones that are beginning to look past their best. I have worn them so often that I feel totally justified in replacing them. These sandals are so pretty and the cut-out design in the leather is delicate and feminine. The ankle strap is soft and comfortable and I expect to get as much wear out of them as their slightly less shiny predecessors.

My bracelet is a brand new addition to my boutique. My business partner (and partner in crime), Sally and I chose more stock yesterday. The bracelets have proved incredibly popular so we have two new designs, the other of which is a gold version of this one that I will wear and add to the boutique soon. 

It's a double wrap bracelet in a very soft, incredibly light and comfortable suedette. Perfect for warmer weather. The sparkle is afforded by rows of diamantes in shades of silver, white and grey. It would be equally at home with a smart dress as it is here with shorts. It will definitely be coming with me to the beach in Devon later this month.

Love Liz x

I styled a bikini a few weeks ago as part of a blogger style challenge hosted by Bonprix.. I would love it if you would follow this link to the Bonprix blog and leave a comment at the end of their page about my bikini. The woman with the most comments will win. Thank you x

Outfit Details
Broderie Anglaise white t-shirt, fat Face SS14
Denim Shorts, Fat Face SS14
Navy Westminster Bag, Boden SS15
Flora silver sandals, Boden SS15
Silver, grey and white diamante wrap bracelet, What Lizzy Loves Boutique, £9.50 SS15

Outfit: Floral Top with Gold Wrap Bracelet

July 17, 2015, 10:48 am

≫ Next: Restaurant Review: Country Harvest, Ingleton

≪ Previous: Outfit: Denim Shorts, Broderie Tee and Silver Sandals

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It's been another hectic few days. I'm still playing catch-up after being ill last last week so today was spent writing, editing and collating magazine features, the interviews for which I have done this week after I had to postpone them. I also cut the grass that had resembled a jungle for several weeks and planted a few more plants that my friend Annemarie brought yesterday, having taken cuttings from her own beautiful garden. 

My daughter and I spent several happy hours in Ikea the other evening which resulted in another car boot full of candle holders, picture frames and plant pots. Essentials, of course, that we simply could not live without. But I fear my love affair with putting up shelves may be coming to an end. When drilling the tenth, yes tenth of ten holes required to hang a floating shelf yesterday ("Lack" in white if anyone happens to be interested), I drilled into a water pipe that led from the radiator that was sitting in a blindingly obvious yet clearly invisible manner immediately below the said tenth hole. Cue much panic and frantic searching for the stopcock, numerous towels, and an SOS call to my dad who wasn't home. 

Fortunately, my house is a new build and work on the development is ongoing so I managed to find three sympathetic builders to come to my rescue. They were absolutely brilliant and patched up the hole before returning with a plumber this morning to complete the job and to do whatever was needed to the boiler to restore our hot water. They even left spare parts for me should it happen again. At least I now know how to repair a holey water pipe.

I'm wearing another new addition to my online accessories boutique. Another wrap bracelet, this time in shades of gold. It is so soft and comfortable and I think very versatile too.
Perfect for summer and holidays as both this and its silver sister work with so many colours.

Love Liz x

Outfit Details

Floral Top, Joules SS14

Ankle Skimmers, Boden SS14

Rose Gold sandals, Boden SS14

Yellow Bowling Bag, Boden SS14

Hummingbird watch, Olivia Burton

Gold Wrap Bracelet, What Lizzy Loves Boutique£9.50 (also available in silver)

Restaurant Review: Country Harvest, Ingleton

July 20, 2015, 11:30 am

≫ Next: Outfit: Boho Broderie and Dragonfly Pendant

≪ Previous: Outfit: Floral Top with Gold Wrap Bracelet

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I love everything about my job as a writer and editor for a local magazine, but one of the nicest things about it is the occasional opportunity to review a restaurant. I wrote a little about this and included some photographs in the outfit post I did on the day of the review, in which I wore my flamingo dresss because it was a beautifully warm day.
I like to wait until the article is out (or almost out) in print before giving too much away about the food itself.

Country Harvest lies along the A65 where The Dales meets The Lakes in Ingleton, North Yorkshire. It is easy to find and has a large car park. As well as the Coffee Shop, Country Harvest has a shop selling an array of clothing, gifts, jewellery and books and a magnificent food hall with a mouth-watering array of fresh produce, bread and cakes. The meat counter is quite outstanding and resident butcher George Taylor is the reigning Young Butcher of the Year.

I lunched with my dad on a sunny Tuesday. The Coffee Shop was bustling and we were seated by the window which afforded us views of the open countryside.

The waitress took our drinks order shortly after we sat down, a bottle of Peroni for my dad and Belvoir raspberry lemonade for me. The menu is extensive with options including main meals, soup of the day, sandwiches, toasties and paninis. Additionally there is a children’s menu and an afternoon tea menu.

We were spoiled for choice and took quite a while deliberating. My father chose the Three Peaks Platter which included homemade pork pie, three varieties of cheese from the deli, ham, chutney and pickles.

I opted for the Seafood Platter, a feast of smoked salmon, poached salmon, tuna and smoked  mackerel. Both were accompanied by a bread roll and butter and a generous, very fresh side salad. 

Our food was fresh, tasty, beautifully presented and served with a smile from our excellent and charming waitress. The platters were substantial and very well priced at £9.75. My father was particularly complimentary about the blue cheese, something he wouldn’t normally choose. Praise indeed. I had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc which was sharp, crisp and perfect with my fish.

The dessert counter stopped us in our tracks as we entered the Coffee Shop and my dad knew then that he wanted lemon meringue pie. It was magnificent and came beautifully presented with a small jug of cream on the side. 

After much mind-changing (because there were cakes, gateaux, tray-bakes, ice-creams and hot puddings), I settled on lemon too, but in cake form. A two tier confection that was light, zingy and quite a sight to behold.

We ended with coffee from a wide selection of hot beverages.

The setting is lovely and tranquil and the food is fresh, wholesome, local and hearty. The staff were friendly and attentive and had the warmest of smiles. Our lunch was, quite simply, perfect.

Love Liz x  

Here is how my review looks in print.

Country Harvest
Ingleton
North Yorkshire
LA6 3PE
01524 242223
www.country-harvest.co.uk

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Outfit: Boho Broderie and Dragonfly Pendant

July 21, 2015, 11:30 am

≫ Next: Outfit: Blush Lace Top with Fabulous Strappy Wedges

≪ Previous: Restaurant Review: Country Harvest, Ingleton

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Once the summer holidays have started, one day seems to run into the next and I lose track of where we are in the week. But I love the holidays and even though my children seem to divide their time between their beds and their friends, I enjoy seeing more of them and the more laid back mood.

We're going on holiday to Woolacombe, Devon on Saturday so I'm trying to complete as much as I can of the September issue of Aspire before we go. I absolutely can't wait for the break, change of scenery and quality time with the children. I've asked them to start preparing their holiday wardrobes which as we know will amount to them plonking a pile of clothes and toiletries in a bag on Saturday morning minutes before we set off, but I'm enjoying planning mine.

I've just added another new arrival to my online boutique, this gorgeous dragonfly pendant. I have a thing for dragonflies so was beyond excited when I discovered this design. In a polished rose gold finish with a taupe leather look cord, it's a lovely warm neutral piece of jewellery. The diamante eyes add a touch of sparkle- another of my favourite things. 

I also have a thing for broderie anglaise and this top is also new. I love the slightly boho vibe about it and I'm hoping to team it with denim shorts on holiday should summer make a return.

Love Liz x

Outfit Details
Cream broderie top, Johnnie B at Boden AW15
Skinny Jeans, Fever London
Rose gold dragonfly pendant, What Lizzy Loves Boutique, £12
Gold wrap bracelet, What Lizzy Loves Boutique, £9.50
Carousel Ride Nude Ballerinas, Clarks £32, SS15
Leopard handbag, Jacqueline Headlam

This post links up with:

Outfit: Blush Lace Top with Fabulous Strappy Wedges

July 22, 2015, 10:45 am

≫ Next: Simple Ways to Accessorise Your Outfits

≪ Previous: Outfit: Boho Broderie and Dragonfly Pendant

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As my slightly dishevelled hair, (it was fine until I stepped outside), and the ground will attest, it's been raining and it feels nothing like the middle of summer.

I've recently been drawn to soft pink and blush shades, perhaps because it hasn't really been sunny enough for the traditional summer whites and brights. These soft shades are feminine, romantic and delicate. 

This lace top from Mandy's Heaven is the perfect combination of all of the above. I've layered it over a lace-edged vest in a very similar shade. It would look equally nice over a white vest and would look great with denim shorts and flat sandals.

The style is quite unusual and like nothing else in my wardrobe. I absolutely love it, especially the asymmetric hemline. 

The vest top underneath has a beautiful lace edge. I folded it under so the lace of the outer top wasn't competing. This layering vest is long enough to tuck in and pretty enough to wear alone or under a cardigan or wrap.

Love Liz x

There is 15 % off at Mandy's Heaven for readers of my blog with the code LIZZYLOVES15. 

I'd love you to take a look, there is a wonderful range of clothing and accessories that are all a little different. There are lots of new arrivals too. It's a family business, run from a thatched cottage in Hertfordshire.

I have another top from Mandy's Heaven which I wore a few weeks ago for a day out in Grassington. The post has proved incredibly popular and is the most read this month. It's a very pretty post as both the top and the village of Grassington are full of flowers!

Outfit Details
*Lace Overlay Top in baby pink, Mandy's Heaven £28 SS15
*Lace edged vest, in pale pink, Mandy's Heaven £12 SS15
Skinny Jeans, Fever London, SS14
Pale pink strappy wedges, LKBennet (several years old)
Leopard print bag, Jacqueline Headlam
Gold wrap bracelet, What Lizzy Loves Boutique £9.50

My tops were a gift from Mandy's Heaven. All opinions are 100% honest and all content is my own.

This blog post links up with:

Fun Fashion Friday

Simple Ways to Accessorise Your Outfits

July 23, 2015, 11:12 am

≫ Next: My Dreams and Lens Photoshoot

≪ Previous: Outfit: Blush Lace Top with Fabulous Strappy Wedges

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I love accessories of all types and have several drawers dedicated to costume jewellery and handbags. Not to mention my wine rack full of scarves! I even have my own online accessories boutique.

In the current (August) issue of Aspire, my fashion column is about the art of accessorising, so this blog post is based upon that along with a few additions.

Accessories are designed to add detail and finishing touches while complimenting the wearer’s personality and wardrobe. They can change the whole look or mood of an outfit and can be as important as the clothes themselves. Sometimes more so. 

Accessories catch the eye and can be used as a focal point to draw attention towards, (or away from), certain areas. A statement necklace will draw the eye upwards if the wearer has a great new hairstyle. A ring or bracelet will ensure an amazing manicure gets all the attention. A belt will of course draw the eye to the waist.

Accessorising a Simple Monochrome Outfit with a Statemen Pendant (available in my boutique).

Rose Gold Dragonfly Pendant (available in my boutique)

A well-chosen new piece is the best way of embracing or dipping a toe into a new fashion trend. Khaki can be difficult to wear head to toe and may be a one-season wonder. A scarf in that colour proves the wearer is aware of summer’s hottest hue but isn’t a slave to fashion.

Outfit: White tee, skinny jeans, snake print wedges and khaki Scarf, available in my boutique

Pattern mixing is popular currently too. Combining a striped top with floral trousers may be one step too far, but a floral scarf or flowery necklace would add enough contrast to make the stripes more interesting. As would a leopard print scarf or a polka dot one. The possibilities are endless.

Combining Stripes and Florals

Lace Shift Dress with Leopard Print Scarf (available in my boutique)

Accessories work wonders with wardrobe staples and will update favourite outfits simply and easily. A pair of dark skinny jeans worn with a fitted white tee shirt would look very different when teamed with a pair of flat brogues, a scarf and a preppy cross body satchel than they would when accessorised with a pair of killer heels, a statement necklace and a dainty clutch.

Accessories should reflect the wearer’s character. There are no rules.  

But it is worth considering skin tone and hair colour. Does silver jewellery suit more than yellow gold, or is the soft warmth of rose gold the ideal tone.  If mustard yellow or cobalt blue are favourites but not flattering worn next to the face, avoid scarves and necklaces and opt for a handbag, a pair of shoes or a bracelet.

Double wrap bracelet in shades of  silver (available in my boutique)

Double wrap bracelet in shades of  gold (available in my boutique)

Florals and Snake  Print (bracelet available in my boutique)

An unexpected accessory can make the biggest impact. 
Leopard print shoes with a demure black dress, a pair of chandelier earrings with a chunky jumper, a bright orange handbag with a blue and green patterned top. 
All add interest, texture, colour and individuality.

Be brave, experiment, build up an accessories wardrobe. Ring the changes and make that wardrobe work much harder.

Love Liz x

The heart pendant, dragonfly pendant, bracelets and scarves are available in my online boutique. The scarves are perfect to use as sarongs too.

This blog post links with:

My Dreams and Lens Photoshoot

July 24, 2015, 11:00 am

≫ Next: What To Do When it Rains in Woolacombe

≪ Previous: Simple Ways to Accessorise Your Outfits

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My blog is my passion. A labour of love which has opened many doors for me and afforded me many wonderful opportunities, one of which was taking part in a photoshoot with Hannah Younger, the award winning photographer behind Dreams and Lens. 

Hannah works from her home studio in Saltaire, North Yorkshire which is where we shot these images but she does shoots throughout the country.

Being photographed close up is quite an intimate thing and despite being photographed on a daily basis for my blog, I did feel a little nervous at first, but Hannah did my hair and make-up which meant the ice was well and truly broken by the time we began.

She made me feel like my true self in front of the camera and I enjoyed every moment working with her.

We ended up chatting for quite some time and putting the world to rights and I could feel Hannah's passion for her art and for her business.

She photographs weddings and takes portraits and for girls, her Fairytography is very special and very beautiful. In fact, I would love nothing more than to dress as a woodland fairy and work with Hannah again.

Here are my two absolute favourite images from the shoot.

Love Liz x

Visit Hannah'sDreams and Lens website for full details of the packages and photography styles she offers and for even more, see her Facebook page.

What To Do When it Rains in Woolacombe

July 26, 2015, 10:07 am

≫ Next: What We Did on A Windy Day in Woolacombe

≪ Previous: My Dreams and Lens Photoshoot

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Today was our first full day in Woolacombe, North Devon. 

We arrived yesterday afternoon. Due to various sets of motorway roadworks en-route the drive took a longer than expected seven hours, but was straight-forward.

We're staying in an apartment on the Esplanade, the main road in Woolacombe, opposite the stunning beach. We stayed in the same building two years ago and loved it. This is my first holiday alone with the children so I wanted somewhere familiar. Somewhere I knew I was suitable and, with a 14 and a 12 year old, a place where I was certain the wifi was good.

Within 20 minutes of arriving, we were on Barricane Beach, a small shingle cove adjacent to the main beach. There is a brilliant beach cafe which does the most amazing Sri Lankan curry. I could honestly eat there every night. Everyone takes their own drinks- Prosecco in my case, fold-up chairs or picnic rugs and sits and takes in the beautiful seascape. It's a wonderfully laid back atmosphere and very relaxing.

We left the beach after an early supper as the sun was beginning to fade.

I was awakened in the early hours this morning by the not entirely unpleasant, but most definitely unwelcome sound of rain pounding on the skylights. It rained almost the whole day and it was quite blustery and very misty. Autumnal in fact.

So, what to do when it rains in Woolacombe?

Eat and shop of course.

We headed out in what was the only dry few minutes of the day into Woolacombe and went to The Tides Inn for a leisurely brunch.

Afterwards we ambled round the array of small shops in Woolacombe before heading out to Atlantic Village, a shopping outlet in Bideford a forty minute drive away. We didn't buy anything, but it is under cover and it meant that at least we got out.

We came back to Woolacombe for a very early supper at the Beachcomber Cafe back on the Esplanade. This is a very casual laid-back cafe that overlooks the beach and serves a variety of snacks and light bites. My son would highly recommend the chocolate chip milkshake and my daughter's mocha frappe went down a treat.
The forecast looks much more promising for the remainder of the week, so hopefully we'll be enjoying the Devon beach lifestyle.

So, a waterproof jacket and brogues were the order of the day worn with skinny jeans, breton and statement necklace.

Love Liz

I wore this gorgeous statement necklace with denim and shorts a few weeks ago.

I wore this breton with a different statement necklace (and statement shoes) back in March.

Outfit Details

Rain jacket, Joules, SS13

Breton top, Jack Wills, SS15

Phoenix kkinny jeans, Fever London AW14

*Yellow brogues, Clarks, SS15

*Yellow bowling bag, Boden SS14

*Be Beautiful statement necklace, Happiness Boutique SS15 22,90 Euros

Double wrap bracelet in silver tones, What Lizzy Loves Boutique £9.50