Selfridges' Christmas Countdown

So it's just over 8 weeks till Christmas ..once again this festive holiday has crept up on us from no where! Once Halloween is over with next week, we won't be able to hit the high street without being covered in glitter every time we brush up against decorations and before long we'll all have 'Jingle Bells' going round and round in our heads! But I don't care one bit because I LOVE Christmas! Bring on the Coca Cola advert I say!! The real build up starts on 1st December when we countdown each day with a little piece of chocolate! Except this year, I have my eye on something a little bit different...

Beauty Advent Calendar - Selfridges

This Beauty Advent Calendar is packed full of little luxurious samples of what you would be able to find in the Selfridges' beauty hall. I certainly wouldn't mind waking up to one of these little gems each morning ..so if anyone out there would like to make my December feel free to splash out!!

Or if you love painted nails (as I do!) then this Mini Mani advent calendar from Ciate is so much fun! That's a different nail polish for each day of December ..perfect for party season!!

Mini Mani Month Advent Calendar - Selfridges

And why not take a look at Selfridges' new seasonal video to get you in the Christmas spirit! 'Not Your Usual Christmas' is shot by fashion photographer Bruce Weber.

They've also just unveiled their Christmas window displays which you can see here. For me, one of my favourite things about Christmas shopping is the window displays inviting you in to a new magical and sparkling shopping wonderland. Living in Newcastle over the past few years means I'm always queuing up with the little kids to catch a glimpse of the enchanting Fenwick Christmas window!!

Apart from chocolate what else would you like to find in your advent calendar each morning?

Sophie x

Mawi Jewels

The majority of the time I dress casually but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy adding a few little touches to add a spot of glamour! A simple outfit such as jeans and a basic jumper can be transformed by adding jewels and a bit of height from these wedge trainers.

Mawi Jewels by fashionserendipity

Mango wool sweater / Black skinny jeans / Ash high heel sneaker / Mawi jewelry

Whilst watching the new series of Made in Chelsea I've become a bit obsessed with Rosie's Mawi jewellery which is pictured here and here, and I love the silver piece above! The pink and emerald green crystals used in the necklace above add a feminine touch to a bold and contemporary style which has being inspired by art deco architecture and structures. At £560 this necklace may wipe me out financially but there are a range of statement necklaces out on the high street this season. I've picked out some of my favourites below...

Statement necklaces by fashionserendipity

1. Neon Necklace H&M / 2. Warrior Collar Topshop / 3. Crystal Shard Necklace ASOS / 4. Chunky Tube Necklace Reiss 5. Skull & Pearl Collar ASOS 6. Chain Necklace Nelly 7. Neon Thread Collar Topshop 8. Spike and Chain Drop Necklace New Look

How would you style your statement necklace?

Sophie x

Help! Winter Boots are my Weakness...

I think it's pretty safe to say after last weeks floods and this weeks icy mornings, that we have waved goodbye to any hope of summer and I can't help but be secretly relieved. I wouldn't say I dislike summer but it's hard to disagree that the past couple of years have been a bit of a disappointment and as I haven't had the chance to jet off on exotic adventures, I haven't really been interested in purchasing much summer fashion ... it's just a waste! 

However when it comes to this time of the year, I can't get enough of the colours and textures that make up a winter wardrobe, from berry reds and purples to royal green and navy, AW12 brings richness and warmth to everyone's outfit. And one of the first things I think about is BOOTS! I've already treat myself to two pairs in recent weeks and I've also got my eye on some others which I want keeping my feet warm this winter!

Brown Leather Ankle Boots - Topshop

Black Lace Up Wedges - New Look

Help! Winter Boots are my Weakness! by fashionserendipity

1. Leather booties / 2. Glitter heels / 3. Zara boots /  4. Zara buckle boots / 5. Dune leather booties / 6. Zara leather boots / 7. Nelly Shoes platform boots / 8. Ash leather booties / 9. ASOS over knee boots

What are your staple winter wardrobe pieces? Has anyone else bought shoes from Nelly before ... I'm wondering what the sizing is like?

Sophie x

Brilliant Britain

Over the summer it seems we all embraced our roots and celebrated being British. The country was awash with union jacks as we embraced the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and cheered on our inspirational athletes. But if anyone was having any doubt about our quirky little nation, then take a look at Brilliant Britain, an online guide to all things British.

And who better to tell us how brilliant Britain is than one of our most brilliant British brands, Mulberry. Brilliant Britain is packed with traditions and trivia, undiscovered places and iconic characters which all make up our famous heritage and culture. My favourite features include Beatrix Potter, Barbour, Newcastle Gateshead Developments, Roald Dahl, Pudding Club and many more! After reading contributions from the likes of Emma Elwick Bates, Yasmin Sewell, Anna Dello Russo, Tim Walker and Susie Lau you might be inspired to submit your own nomination on why you think Britain is brilliant. 

I can't wait to explore the site further and hopefully stumble across a range of hidden and undiscovered gems ..a British Serendipity if you like.

What's your favourite thing about Brilliant Britain?

Sophie x

Real Techniques Make Up Brushes

I've been on the hunt for some new make up brushes for quite some time but looking for some that are going to do a good job but aren't going to bankrupt me was quite difficult. I've read a lot about the Real Techniques brushes on various blogs and websites so this weekend I decided to buy the Real Techniques Core Collection which includes a contouring brush, a pointed foundation brush, a detailer brush and a buffer brush. Getting all four brushes for £21.99 seems like too good to be true but I was confident in all the positive reviews I've read. 

Real Techniques Core Collection - Boots

Having had a little play with them already, I'm really impressed! They leave a fantastic, flawless finish and the taklon bristles are extremely soft. As taklon bristles are synthetic, the beauty is that they are cruelty free and less prone to shedding. They can also be used for all types of make up, including liquid, cream, powder and mineral. And as they are designed by Sam Chapman, a professional make-up artist famous for her YouTube tutorials, you know that you're going to be using a high quality tool that gives you the results you're looking for.

For me, the best thing about Real Techniques is their website. I'm certainly no expert when it comes to make up and I really do need all the help I can get. Sam Chapman shares all her make up wisdom online, and there are a number of video tutorials, giving a step-by-step guide on how to use each brush and how to create different looks.

I can't wait to experiment more with these brushes and hopefully build up my collection. There is, after all, room for a few more brushes in the handy case that comes with this collection!

Have you tried any of the Real Techniques brushes? What did you think?

Sophie x

October Wishlist

New month means a new wishlist!

First up is this leather jacket from Topshop. I'm on the lookout for a classic style that will toughen up a variety of outfits and this oversized biker from Topshop would make a great investment that I'm sure would last years. 

Oversized Leather Biker Jacket - Topshop

The past couple of years I've started to enjoy experimenting with lipsticks but always stick to bright pinks or subtle nudes. This season I would like to hunt down the perfect berry lip to vamp up my, what's turning into, dull make up routine and Mac's 'Hang-up' looks like a perfect place to start.

Lipstick in 'Hang-up' deep berry - Mac

I seem to live my life in skinny jeans (Topshop's Leigh to be precise) but these checked trousers may be enough to make me take a step out of my comfort zone. The new season has brought retro pattern and geometric prints to tailoring. Pair with pointed stilettos and a sheer blouse to keep the look minimalistic and feminine or why not go for the full look and and check out the matching jacket.

Check Jacket - Warehouse

Winter boots time! Burgundy leather, chunky heel and harness detail make these the perfect choice to lengthen legs in skinny jeans or to toughen up a chic dress. And they look comfy too ... bonus!!

ALEXUS Harness Platform Boots - Topshop

Next up is this denim shirt which is another wardrobe staple. I like this particular style because of the dark colour and the metal collar tip. One of my favourite looks right now is a blouse or shirt buttoned right up and styled with detailing around the neckline whether it be tips like this, collar pins or a bold necklace worn just under the collar.

Denim Shirt - River Island

What's on everyone else's wishlist this month?

Happy October!

Sophie x