Luxury Lust List

Philippe Audibert Crystal Embellished Bracelet - Mulberry Alexa Bag - Alexander McQueen Leopard & Scull Scarf - Tom Ford Tortoise Shell Sunglasses - Mulberry Tillie Bag

I love a spot of online window shopping. There's nothing better than casting budgets and restrictions aside and indulging in some leisurely fantasy browsing. I seem to have an insatiable desire for designer goods so I'm constantly adding to my ever growing wish list, with these lovely items taking the top spot as my current favourite picks.

I already own quite a few shoulder bags so it's about time I branched out and tried something else, and what could be better than the iconic Mulberry Alexa? I love the textured leather of this one and the cream shade paired with rose gold hardware is perfectly to my taste. I wouldn't stop there, as the Mulberry Tillie is just as lovely, and probably more practical for someone like me who lugs around their whole life in their bag! An Alexander McQueen scarf is almost a prerequisite for any blogger, but rather than the ubiquitous monochrome scull scarf, I'm more drawn to this chic leopard print silk scarf and it would look gorgeous paired with the gold Philippe Audibert bracelet. I've also desperately been coveting some Tom Ford sunglasses for what seems a lifetime, and as I have a bit of a penchant for tortoiseshell, these are ideal.

These items may just be a mere fantasy for now, but my Mulberry Bayswater and Mulberry Continental Wallet started off as daydreams too, so perhaps one day I'll also be the proud owner of these lovely things. Which luxury items are you lusting after?

Orelia Jasmine Bracelet

Whilst browsing the flagship Topshop store during our weekend in London, I spotted the Orelia stand. Filled with delicate jewellery, I was captivated and stood rooted to the spot for the next half hour, marvelling over the beautiful detail in the designs. Eventually, I settled on the Jasmine bracelet above. I adore the pairing of white and gold together, and I love the ever so dainty gold chain and tiny star charm, so as soon as I saw it I knew it would be a piece I treasured. There's something so whimsical and charming about it. I have my eye on quite a few other pieces from the collection so I may be treating myself to some more gorgeous jewellery soon!

The Orelia Jasmine Bracelet is priced at £10 and is available to buy from Orelia or Topshop

Summer Shoe Inspiration

With a spot of sunshine brightening up the dreary weather we've had to endure for the past six months, it's finally warm enough to relegate boots to the back of the wardrobe and slip on something more summery. As someone who has begrudgingly worn boots for the majority of the winter months for the sake of warmth, I'm now having a fantastic time perusing all the colourful, pretty shoes on offer. From platforms to peep toes, strappy sandals to super high heels – shoes are an important part of pulling a look together. I instantly feel more glam when I pop on a pair of heels so I've decided I'll be embracing them more often. 

I'm a big fan of peep toe shoes, there's something cute and retro about the look which I love. Check out Lipsy shoes which have a gorgeous selection of peep toe heels - the glittery gold wedges above in particular, although these are probably shoes I'd admire from a distance rather than braving myself! Black heels are a staple item for any shoe collection so I love the cut-out detail of the heels above which add some interest to a classic design. And how incredible are the glittery red Ted Baker shoes? I couldn't help thinking of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz when I saw them! Ted Baker shoes offer a range of sassy printed platforms too which are ideal if you're into your prints. Finally, I love these patent platforms with a flash of neon on the sole, which is a nod to the trend without being too overpowering. Which shoes will you be wearing this summer?

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L'Occitane Pivoine Delicate Lipstick

When this lipstick from the new L'Occitane Pivoine Limited Edition Collection dropped through my letterbox, it was love at first sight. I absolutely adore everything about this lipstick. The pastel pink textured cardboard packaging (which has been imprinted with the peony flower which the collection is based upon) is divine - and it's home to the most beautiful soft pink lipstick I have ever come across. The shade is 02 - aptly named Pivoine Delicate - so if you're drawn to gentle ballerina pinks, you may just love this one as much as me. 

Having not tried L'Occitane cosmetics before (I'll be honest - I wasn't aware they had a makeup range) I didn't know what to expect in terms of quality, but I was highly impressed with the formula of this lipstick. Soft, creamy, moisturising, good pigmentation - it has it all. It leaves a slightly dewy finish to the lips which I love and it's fairly long lasting. For me, this lipstick is perfection and I can't get enough of it! I had no idea L'Occitane created lipsticks but after falling in love with this one I'll certainly be taking a peek at others on offer. Their lipsticks are on the pricey side but I'll happily pay that amount for such an incredible product.

L'Occitane Pivoine Delicate Lipstick is priced at £12.50 and will be available to buy from  L'Occitane, Debenhams and John Lewis from April

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

Although I've been wearing my engagement ring for almost three years now, I still can't help give it an admiring glance each day. There's nothing quite like catching a glimpse of diamonds sparkling in the light to brighten your morning! I often get asked about my rings - by readers, friends... even strangers! Many of you have read our engagement story but I've not really touched upon the tale behind my engagement ring. Matt was searching for something specific in the lead up to his proposal, but wasn't finding it, so he designed my ring with the aid of an independent jeweller to create the perfect ring. The three diamonds represent past, present and future and I love the classic design set in a platinum band. Knowing Matt designed it himself makes it all the more special! Jewellery is such a personal gift it makes sense to be able to pick and choose the specifics of the design, rather than buy something mass produced. The site 77 Diamonds allows you to do just that - create bespoke, hand crafted jewellery, with no two items the same as each piece is made to order. I'd absolutely love a delicate and dainty diamond necklace to add to my jewellery collection, and who knows, perhaps my not-so-subtle hints have been taken on board as a potential gift idea for our five year anniversary later this year! What would your ultimate diamond accessory be?

*In collaboration with 77 Diamonds

Beauty Blog Link Love

Inspired by spring and St. Patty's Day, Miss Beauty Nerd showcases her favourite green-hued products this season!

Phyrra's Independent Spotlight for March is with Maria of Cult Nails! Learn all about Maria and how she made her dreams come true!

Love colour? This week Madame B Fatale shows you her almost neon makeup tutorial!

This Spring at theNotice is all about Clarins. (Yeah, you read that right.) Check out the one limited-edition liquid blush Rae thinks you HAVE to have this season.

The fifth and final episode to the series Eyeshadow Tutorial for Asian Eyes. This time, we discuss the Horizontal Gradient Method!

Why settle for just one blush when you can have three in one palette?! Beauty's Bad Habit reviews Sleek 'Pumpkin' Blush by Three.

With Spring offically here, Beauty In The Mirror reviews Benefit Cha Cha Tint - perfect for a spring glow on the cheeks!

Think fancy, structured updo's are too hard? Gouldylox found one that is really easy and perfect for spring weather!

It's almost summertime, which means Shannon at Lipstick Musings is on the hunt for a great warm-weather red lipstick. She's found one with NARS Sheer Lipstick in Manhunt!

This gold, taupe, and blue smoky eye on My Funny Valentine adds a little tribal to your weekend.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed discovers that not all frightening things are found in horror movies - some of them are actually as close as her face! Take a trip with her to the Vichy Skin Health Centre for a scary good time!

Check out Jenn at Spicedbeauty backstage coverage of Maybelline Beauty for Toronto Fashion Week.

Fleurissante shares her impressions on Ambre Oud, the most recent by Kilian fragrance.

Will the Hunger Games movies influence future makeup trends? Come join the discussion at Beauty Reflections!

Ted Baker Laptop Case

I first spotted this laptop case whilst browsing House of Fraser. Everything about it appealed to me – the glossy patent fabric in a soft nude pink shade, the girly bow which adorned the top of the case, the ‘Ted Baker’ logo in rose gold hardware. Even the silky butterfly print fabric which lines the case is divine. However, with a price tag of £60 and having only just received one as a gift for Christmas, I had to reluctantly put it down and move on. So I was bowled over when I attended the Handpicked Media Suite during London Fashion Week and lo and behold, what was peeking out of the goody bag but the very same Ted Baker laptop case I’d been coveting just the week earlier! It really is lovely and it's great to see brands producing ladylike accessories for various gadgets and gizmos. I’m often travelling so this is perfect for safely tucking away my precious MacBook. What do you think? Which gorgeous laptop cases have caught your eye? 

Available to buy from Ted Baker and House of Fraser

I Love... Cosmetics

I'm a huge fan of Philosophy bath products. In fact, I currently have 10 bottles sitting in my bathroom in an array of delicious scents. As much as I love them, they're expensive for something which is just going to be washed down the drain so I like to have some cheap and cheerful shower gels on hand so I don't spend a fortune on washing myself. When I was introduced to I Love... I knew I'd found the perfect alternative to Philosophy. A range of bath and shower products which are similarly packaged, with a choice of scrumptious scents, and priced at just £2.05 for 500ml of bath and shower creme, there's no excuse not to stock up on these fabulous products. I was sent two scents to try - Strawberries & Milkshake and Coconut & Cream. Both are bursting with mouth-watering fragrance, lather really well and leave skin soft and moisturised. I'm a big fan! I'm now keen to try the body butters and the Vanilla & Ice Cream set which sounds divine!

I Love... products are priced at £2.05 and are available to buy from Superdrug

Mulberry Plaster Pink Continental Wallet

After I received a beautiful Mulberry Bayswater as a wedding present from my lovely husband, it seemed only right that I bought an exquisite purse to place inside it. I did have my heart set on a pink Miu Miu purse but when it mysteriously and suddenly stopped being stocked, I took my search elsewhere and the Mulberry Plaster Pink Continental purse caught my eye right away. Classic in design, it's been given a feminine twist with beautiful blush pink leather and rose gold hardware. Matt and I had a trip to London planned so it was the perfect opportunity to take a look at the purse in the Mulberry store and check whether the colour was just as pretty in real life as it was online. I was smitten when I saw it and knew it had to be mine! Not only is it beautiful, it has plenty of space for cards as well as an area for notes and a zipped pocket at the back. It was expensive, but I'd had many reassurances from fellow Mulberry purse owners that years after their purchase they still loved their wallets and it's well worth the investment. Not a day has gone by since I bought it when I haven't given it an admiring gaze. Who knew a purse could bring such pleasure?!

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing my wonderful mum a fantastic Mother's Day! The most kind, joyful and loving woman I've ever known who lights up any room she's in with her laughter and enthusiasm.

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick - Poppy Red

I'm a newfound fan of red lipstick since trying Revlon Cherries In The Snow and Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Cranberry. I've discovered I love a bit of bright colour on my lips and Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick has now topped my list of red lippies in terms of colour, formulation and staying power. One of the four new shades in Clarins Colour Breeze Spring Makeup Collection, Poppy Red has everything I was looking for in a red lipstick.

Unlike Clarins Baby Pink lipstick, which was a little gritty to apply and needed a few swipes to show up, Poppy Red is highly pigmented, vibrant and creamy to apply. It leaves a glossy finish thanks to the mango butter and vitamin E and it has enough pink in it to veer away from a wintery lip and still be suitable for spring/summer. The colour really is lovely, and I'm afraid the photo's of this on my lips just don't do it justice. In person the shade is a rich red, which prompted plenty of compliments! Poppy Red is now my go-to lipstick when I want an instant hit of glamour!

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick is price at £17.00 and is available to buy from Boots, Debenhams and feelunique.com

Primark Pink Blazer

I'm a huge fan of blazers and I believe you can never have too many. They're one of those items which you can wear with anything and they instantly transform an outfit. I own blazers in black, navy, nude and taupe in an assortment of styles, but the one colour I was missing was a blush pink, so I was delighted when I spotted this one in Primark. It's the perfect shade of dusky pink and I love the gathered three quarter length sleeves and (faux) pockets which give it some extra detail. A nice lining always pleases me too, and for just £19.99, I couldn't be happier with the latest addition to my blazer collection! 

Have you spotted any lovely blazers lately?