Katie Mullally

                              

Katie Mullally, a designer from Tunbridge Wells whose name you need to remember! I started following Katie on Twitter after speaking to a mutual friend and soon fell in love with the uniqueness of her vintage inspired jewellery with a modern twist.  

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to Katie's studio. Katie Mullally started her business in 2010 after growing up in a family with a passion for silver. After finishing school Katie went to work at her Grandmother's antique business and was taught the importance of quality jewellery. Katie showed me the "hallmarking bible", Jackson's Hallmarks, which her Uncle contributed his words to. Without hallmarking Katie wouldn't want to be in the industry, it would be like an artist not signing their work. With each piece of jewellery being a part of what Katie symbolises, she ensures each is hallmarked by Goldsmith’s Company Assay Office in London. Hallmarking is not just important for the producer but for the consumer too. The earlier you buy your piece of hallmarked jewellery the more valuable it becomes and the more thankful your grandchildren will be! 

 

Katie is also very proud, and rightly so, that her jewellery is made here in the United Kingdom. Working alongside four local silversmiths, each with thirty years experience the jewellery available at Katie Mullally is solid sterling silver or gold plated on sterling silver, only the best darling! 

Katie Mullally is an investable brand for both of these reasons and I haven't even started on the designs themselves!

 

I was soon whisked to see the jewellery and was quick to try them on - all of them! There are currently three different chains available to buy for your charms. This is a great picture to see the different lengths, long adjustable 32" to 36", 24" curb chain and the 18" curb chain. More is definitely more in my world! Dependant on outfit all three chains complement each other and the charms beautifully or can stand alone simplistically well. Large bails are designed on the pieces where possible to allow the wearer to add the piece to any thickness of chain, several  pieces can be bunched together on one chain creating your own charm necklace, a truly unique pendant.

 

 

 

 

Now that was just the chains, imagine my delight when I was in front of all of her charms to. Here is a selection of my favourites!

 

Large wishbone, The Crown and Whistle Charm

 

 

The Buddha Charm

Anchor Pendant

 

Small Wishbone

Large Stag Pendant

 

Ok so I have a lot of favourites and this isn't even half of them! For the whole collection check out her stockists, these include British entrepreneur Amber Atherton's online phenomenon My Flash Trash and department store Fenwick in Tunbridge Wells. With even bigger stockist news in the 2014 horizon, HUGE news! 

OR you can simply cut and paste www.katiemullally.co.uk into your browser, search the jewellery, paste into an email, send to your other half and title CHRISTMAS ! (Males often need a helping hand and they too will be thankful for the link of wonderful choice)

 

As for me, it was right there. Only a fool would have walk out of the studio empty handed! My heart was simply set on the quintessentially quirky peg design. I love the fact that it is random and a great conversation starter..why not wear a gold peg!

 

 

I was also introduced to Katie's 2013 design, the Yes/No charm, silver plated this item is pure genius! A fun attractive charm to wear, I simply couldn't say no!

And finally, I had to buy the wishbone (large obvs) which I had been lusting over for months! Stunning, truly stunning!

 

A perfect day all round, one extremely happy Mini with my new bling and even more so because Katie and I are talking about a few projects together...yes that's right you heard we are hopefully going to be working together on some events in 2014! Watch this space ......

 

 

 

 

 

The One and Only Olympia Beauty!

On Sunday I visited the Olympia Beauty show at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London's Hammersmith. With girlfriends by my side and the large interior filled with the giants of the nail industry and beauty treats galore this was set to be a superb Sunday.

Olympia Beauty is one of the UK’s leading trade beauty events. The show enables professionals to network with the right people and see everything there is to see in the world of beauty, all under one roof. To seek the latest innovations, whilst being updated on forthcoming beauty trends and education. Olympia Beauty welcomes all trade professionals including salon owners, buyers, make-up artists, nail technicians, spa professionals, students and peripheral industries.

Four hours later we had browsed and tested different products amongst the huge selection of exhibitors and had come away with some fabulous purchases.

Helena Biggs, Deputy Editor of Scratch Magazine, is THE girl to follow! On top of working for the magazine, Helena writes for Marie Claire UK and has recently released her own book Nail Art: Inspiring designs by the world’s leading nail technicians, talk about talented chica! I am fortunate to know Helena personally and when a woman like Helena raves about a product you know that is the product you have to snap up!

May I introduce Morgan Taylor the professional nail lacquer! Ok so maybe I didn't need to buy 6 bottles of it, but one needs to stock up on these things when one has the chance. Recently launched at Urban Retreat in Harrods, with no online stockist as yet, American brand Morgan Taylor is set to take UK shores by storm. With two stands at Olympia Beauty I was in paradise with the selection of colours. I opted for a selection that I can wear with a variety of outfits and occasions. As well as "Little Black Dress" a noir number to be used alongside the "Matt's A Wrap". (Product names are genius!)

 

 

 

 

The matt top coat is to be applied as you would any top coat, the finish is fantastic and I hope to create these show stopper pieces of art!

 

 

 

 

There is no point me trying to do a tutorial, as a) I am pretty cack handed and b) the team at Scratch do it like no other, check out their website or follow them on Twitter. I must say though trying the polishes last night I was highly impressed. Brushes are perfect and the polish is quick drying. I have often found fault in rival brands, but with their strong colours and easy application MT has ticked all the boxes.

 

I didn't just take home several thousand pots of polish, I also purchased Melody- Claire's Elegant Depilation. Fed up of buying Venus razor blades for the cost of the earth, the sales women on ED saw me coming! No More Harsh Chemicals, Waxing, Electrolysis, Plucking, Ripping Hair, Shaving, Costly Laser Treatments, Elegant Depilation is a micro crystal pad rotated in a simple circular hand motion to remove the follicles. I came home last night and got to work on my leg hair, not only do I now have a right arm the size of Popeye's (my legs were slightly wild, boyfriend on a business trip all week and drop in temperature) after 10 minutes of using the pads on both my legs I now can safely say these pins are ready to party!! Shame I'm not until Saturday! The sales lady did say they should stay this way for 2-3 weeks, we shall see....

 

 



 

 

Just around the corner from the hair removal stand was Santhilea's Magnetic Lash. Not actually magnetic but works as if it is...in a 1-2-1 lash extension system you simply apply a coat from the first tube, the mascara, then you use the second tube, containing cotton candy-esque fibres to touch the length of each lash, so that the fibres stick to the already applied mascara. Follow up with the number one wand and ta da, lashes are instantly lengthened. They don't use extensions or photo shopping in their advertising, what you see is what you get. What I saw and tested on the stand was what I took home and got the next day. Va va voom lashes! AND no clumping or smudging, none of that black eyed look with this product, I am looking forward to testing it out when I am merry on Saturday to see if it can last on a Mini night out!

 

 



 

 

So there we have it, my Sunday in a blog...did anyone else visit Olympia Beauty this weekend, what did you buy? Has anyone else tried out the products I purchased, what did you think? I'm off to bask in my smugness that I resisted thousands of other products worthy of a purchase, but at 25 years old I have had a reality check and had to realise that saving is good....although retail therapy and necessary purchases is a part of life (ok maybe not 6 nail varnishes). 

Juice to me, JuiceToU

No food, alcohol or caffeine allowed! Did I have a bug or had that knock to the head during the ice cube fight last week (don't ask) really affected me?! No, this week I decided to detox. Yes that's right I went 3 days with no food, alcohol or caffeine.

I had researched companies offering the juicing detox before but with inconvenient delivery times or a rather unforgiving price tag I had given up. Until low and behold on Sunday night I stumbled across JuiceToU. After reading reviews from the public and celebrities I decided to set myself the mission.

Placing the order that night, I was informed that my juices would arrive Tuesday am, which they did. First tick.

 

 

Juice to U is a totally natural and fantastic pre-prepared juice detox service using fresh local produce delivered to your door, consisting of 4 juices to drink throughout the day with a 3 hour period between juices!

I am not normally a breakfast eater unless I am hungover or it is around 11am and I tuck into my draw at work filled with Oomfh! Oats. Therefore on Wednesday morning I was a little wary to try Clean Green - the first glug I wasn't keen on but after swallowing and allowing time for an after taste I was sold.  The bottle easily went down after that.

12pm - Let's Glow - tasty and my kind of fruity drink!

3pm - Clean Green again - ok I'll drink it but I'm a little hungry now and there are people in the office eating eclairs which I would love to shovel into my mouth!

6pm - Berry Good - hmmm my favourite, however by now I have a headache and I am really hungry!

To get you through the day you are allowed as much fruit tea and water with lemon as you like. This helps....a lot!

Headache, nausea and dizziness is expected when detoxing. I had a headache and was so hungry I was feeling off that it had to be an early night.

Day 2 - MORNING, I'M UP! Woke up perky and full of life. Ready and raring to drink the Clean Green beauty! This was an easier day until around 6.30pm and someone in the house decided to cook bacon! They all knew I was doing the detox but as my boyfriend kindly pointed out "Your putting yourself through this blinking detox, why should I suffer?" - No dear, you don't need to "suffer", enjoy your bacon and I will bury my head into a pillow and smell the fresh linen! This tested my willpower to the max, boy o boy was I scratching to pigpocket some of the good stuff.

Day 3 - Really starting to feel the effects, I felt great waking up, my skin felt ultra smooth, I was less bloated and I had noticed I went off to sleep a lot easier. The day itself was fine, I had bravely walked away from cake in the staff room and was less hungry. The evening again  was hard around 7pm but I fought through and distracted myself with a film and some hot water with lemon - on a Friday night, yes you should all be jealous!

Overall after completing the challenge, was I not only so proud of myself but I did feel as JuiceToU had stated on their website, revitalised, refreshed, rejuvenated and invigorated. On top of that I had lost 3.5lbs which was the cherry!

I would highly recommend juice detoxing to anyone wanting to feel cleansed. I think I found it easier than most as I do not drink tea or coffee, nor do I drink alcohol unless I am going out out. (Out out, a term coined by the hilarious M.Flanagan) I also found it helped that I detoxed during the week when I was at work where I have a routine and am busy, rather than on a day off and the fridge can easily shout for me. Detoxing is the perfect way to start a fresh and I will definitely be trying this several times a year.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up plan so that you don't undo all your hard work, JuiceToU customer service is second to none.

www.juicetou.com or follow them on twitter @juicetou

 

Pants to this bank holiday!

The autumn bank holiday weekend can only mean one thing - drunk nights out followed by cosy afternoons moving very slowly (and eating your body weight in carbs!) Oh and to aid a hung-over day and to make my excuses more excusable it peed down with rain on Saturday so I felt no guilt in wearing my pyjama bottoms all day.

Please note there will be no personal photos in the blog as no make up was worn and the camera was well within the drawer.

I could go on and on for days about different materials, lengths and styles but for the purpose of this blog (and because the hangover has really started to kick in) I have narrowed the search to full length, loose fitting, soft lounge bottoms.

I can tell you that the comfiest bottoms known in my wardrobe are from Abercrombie and Fitch. I bought a chocolate brown pair from New York 5years ago and they have been well worn but have kept their softness and shape. There is a great range on their website, some online exclusives. I adore these dark grey with a splash of hot pink bottoms. A&F Lounge Sweatpants

Most popular choice amongst my male and female companions are CK pjs, they are stylish both in the bed and for around the house. 

Available from House of Fraser their Paisley Print Wovens Pyjama Pant print is by far my favourite.

Closely followed by their new Peony Persuasion Print Wovens Pyjama Pant.

A few weeks ago I went to stay with a friend and had packed in a rush, forgetting nightwear. She lent me her Blue Blanc Mange bottoms and I contemplated slipping them into my bag the next day. My friend purchased hers at an event but you can buy online too. They are only in their third year of trade and have a small collection but you cannot beat a check pyjama print.

At £35 a pair for 100% super soft brushed cotton these really are worth their asking price and their website has a great order form with stock details and sizes all on the same page. Something other clothing retailers could benefit from if you ask me.

I am particularly fond of their Monserrat pj's

As well as their yellow/ pink check Alberta pj's

I am a huge fan of Nutmeg Sleepwear as a brand, I think their combination of beautiful prints and fair-trade cotton with their Made in Britain (Lewes, East Sussex in fact) make a lovely present for loved ones and yourself. Available to buy from Not On The High Street and through their own website with a 10% discount if you quote TWEET10 this sleepwear store is one to check out.

Chinoiserie Organic Print features an exotic bird print amongst peach and blue flowers.

Bluebirds Organic Pyjama Trouser features a exquisite bird print on a navy background.

Pants to Poverty is another brand I have huge respect for. Founded in 2005 their company produces pants that are gorgeous and affordable, in a way that supports, rather than destroys, all of the wonderful people that make them! They can be purchased online or through a number of stockists, they have a limited range of pyjama bottoms but their Apple Striped woven pair are easy to wear teamed up with a plain vest or tee and you can lounge in the fact you are part of a sustainable solution for the farmers and factories in India!

 

After writing this blog I now have the huge urge to go and put my pjs on, so excuse me whilst I do and I may even take a nap because after all that is what long bank holiday weekends to me are all about.

Jump For My Love

Yes I know I just quoted a Pointer Sisters/ Girls Aloud song but I do love a good jumpsuit...In fact one of my wardrobe staples, I have four and am still lusting over some newbies.

During the heat wave I went up to London for a night out. Now what does one wear out drinking in the middle of our muggy capital?  To avoid sweat marks, stay clear of thunder thigh chafing and to stand out from the crowd. Low and behold my choice, the Topshop Pop Floral Print Jumpsuit.

Must admit I wasn't smitten when I first saw it on the website but when I tried this on in the shop I had pushed up the legs to reveal more calf and had slipped into a pair of heels I knew this was the outfit for me. £60 I could justify as I could also wear it to work dressed up with a smart jacket and casually during the day and will definitely take on holiday to wear with flip flops or wedges.

The jumpsuit is true to size and although tight fitted there was still room to show Soho my moves without a rip to the seams. The only negative, which reviewers have posted about is that the straps are slightly too long, nothing that a needle and thread can't fix though.

Before finding this beauty, I had tried on Topshop's Strappy V Neck Jumpsuit but for the £45 price tag it didn't give me the wow factor. That together with the fact it made my arse look married to my ankles...no thank you unforgiving elasticated waist and loose material!

Here is the Bright Pink version, however when the jumpsuit doesn't even seem to fit the model correctly...please note her left hand side waist...this does not scream buy me.

Now we are approaching Autumn/ Winter this Michael Kors Blue Long Sleeve Pocketed Navy Jumpsuit has caught my eye. The masculine boiler suit look is offset with the gorgeous colour, detachable leather belt and buttoned front - throw on a pair of heels with subtle jewellery and this girl means business.

If money were no object I would without a doubt buy this Diesel Patterned Jumpsuit from ASOS, however at a bank manager grilling of £220 the closest I will come will be in my dreams.



Not only are the colours beautifully matched, the cut of the v shaped neckline and sleeveless design together with the straight trouser leg is my idea of a perfect Autumn jumpsuit.

If you are looking to buy a jumpsuit, I would recommend the below:

1. Make sure you are comfortable, if it means testing out dropping your purse and picking it up in the dressing room then by all means do. There is nothing worse then a stiff woman in a jumpsuit too scared to move!

2. For the narrow trouser leg that is cut off above the ankle, ensure you have your best heels to hand as this will not long add a dose of sexy but will make your legs appear even slimmer.

3. Long leg jumpsuits are perfect for curvy ladies and playsuits look better on shorter women.

4. If you have got a big bust please avoid bandeau style jumpsuits, a V shaped cut is far more flattering and elegant and will mean your friend will not have to use the "code word" if one of your twins decides on a night out!

5. If you are a jumpsuit virgin start off with a black number. This can be brought in at the waist with a skinny belt and dressed up with some chandelier earrings with either an up do or styled hair. Dressed with a pair of pumps and coloured jacket for a office attraction. Or styled with a hat and long necklace for the beach.

You may be thinking shock horror she has gone a whole blog without mentioning the Z word (Zara) but I am afraid to report, and I do hope you can prove me wrong but their jumpsuits are either non existent, there is nothing in their current range or when they do have them they are not for me. (Sorry Zara your still my number one.)

Do you share my passion for jumpsuits? Which cuts are your favourite?

Until next time ladies, Jump Around!







What do you get when you mix Cornflower and Lemon?

Wow what a great response from my first post, thank you to everyone who read and shared it - hopefully onwards and upwards!

Today, Friday 16 August I had work and I decided to wear my new purchases that I had spontaneously made online over the weekend.

 



Now when I first stepped out the house this morning I was quite pleased with my 8am decision, however at around 1pm I caught sight of my outfit in the mirror and all I could see was this fella....

 

 

 

Turns out I am not the only person who thinks navy and yellow complement each other!

 

Unlike the hero next door I wore a Cornflower Boyfriend Blazer from Hush which was an absolute bargain at £20 from £55.

 

Also available in Fuchsia in all sizes so click away if you like it. The styling on this model is gorgeous and the fuchsia and khaki colours sit very well together for a summer style.

 

 

 





I wouldn't have paid full price for the jacket but at £20 this is a great adaptable wardrobe addition. It is quite long which sits well on my 5ft 6 figure and the sleeves are easily pushed up to show off your arm candy.

It is a cross between a jacket and a cardigan, at 100% cotton you can put at a 30C wash and tumble dry - which it looks like we may soon have to do if this miserable weather stays...eurgh!

Have a look around the Hush website, at 60% off there are some real treats still for grabs. Before the sale I had my eye on their Havana Short Dress so snapped it up when it was also reduced to £20 from £50. Perfect for my upcoming holiday to style for a night out or during the day. I took the reviews advice to get a size up because it is tight around the bust area, so if you would like this or their Havana Maxi Dress I advise you do the same.

 

 

 

Underneath the jacket I wore my trusty Topshop silk vest in navy and another stringed top under that.

Moving on to my trousers I decided to take a punt on the Zara Animal Print Flocked pair, at £9.99 from £39.99 from their Premium Denim Collection I knew these would be comfortable and long lasting. I do love Zara trousers and you can tell the difference between their PDC and TRF collections. The TRF are around £20 but unfortunately every pair I have owned seem to rip! (No, I have not been lunging and star jumping!) Has anyone else found this?

 

 

These pictures give you more of an idea of the lemon colour and print then from my camera.

On my feet I wore these bad boys...they are me down to the last stud. Now I am not one for day time heel, in fact whenever I wear heels I normally end up arse over tit but for work I can manage a wedged heel. So low and behold another Zara £20 bargain however this time from last season so they are no longer available.

 

 

Accessorise wise I wore my Michael Kors watch - more on her in a separate blog soon.

 

A leopard print cuff from Love Is Boutique and this cute necklace from Accessorize.

 

 



What impulsive bargains have you stumbled across recently people I would love to see your comments below...

That was my Friday Fashion, what has been yours?