Fashion - AW15 Wardrobe Updates

I recently bought a few things for my autumn/winter wardrobe that I thought I would share with you.

I'm absolutely loving these boots from Ted & Muffy. They were £170, but I didn't realise that if you shop online you can get 25% off your first order with the code WEL25. They are super comfy and I wear them to work with dresses or at the weekend with jeans. They're really versatile.

Ianthe, £170

I bought a couple of dresses for work from White Stuff and Sandwich at House of Fraser, including this Shaker Jersey Dress:

Jersey Dress from White Stuff, £59.95 at House of Fraser

I loved so many of the Gray & Willow pieces, and ended up buying a few staple t-shirts along with this gorgeous jumper. I do love a sequin!

Gray & Willow Disa Woven Trim Knit Jumper, £69 at House of Fraser

I wore this travelling to Portugal in the October holidays and had to go in the full body scanner at the airport due to the sequins which set of the x-ray machine!

After House of Fraser I went to Princes Square to Cos, a shop that I love, and my favourite piece that I chose is a belted blouse. Again, its a versatile item that can be dressed up or down. It's only downside is that it's dry clean only.

V-neck Belted Blouse, £69 from Cos

Next on my fashion shopping list is an outfit for my work Christmas Party... I can't believe we're in November already!!

Holiday Preparation - Swimsuit Shopping

It's not long now until we head to Portugal for our first family holiday. I literally cannot wait - it's going to be amazing!!

However I'm feeling slightly disorganised as I haven't really given much thought to the holiday packing until now. I needed a swimsuit - it's been forever since I've been on a holiday in the sun! I decided to head to House of Fraser in the hope that they would have something suitable. I struggle to get swimsuits that are long enough as I'm pretty tall (just under 6 foot!). The sales assistant recommended I try on a Biba swimsuit and I ended up buying one! It's a gorgeous black swimsuit with gold detail on the straps. The ruched material over the tummy area makes it flattering for my mum tum. 

My bathroom scales had broken and I've only just replaced them. I stepped on the scales & was so disappointed to find that I've put on nearly a stone and I'm back where I started in Nov last year. I was doing so well and was happy with my size but then I got so busy at work and stopped going to the gym classes. I've a few weeks to get back on track and try to tone up a little before the holiday!! The one area that I'm just not happy with is my thighs. Perhaps one of these wrap things that you can get done at a spa might help as a quick fix? Has anyone tried them?

Fashion - Gray & Willow

Last week I was at the House of Fraser AW15 preview event. We sipped on cocktails made by Hutcheson's, nibbled delicious canapés whilst browsing the latest collections. It was such a lovely evening.

One of the brands that caught my eye that I just had to share with you is Gray & Willow. Launching exclusively at House of Fraser this autumn, the brand has a selection of ladies clothing as well as the most gorgeous homeware pieces.

"Gray & Willow embodies relaxed design for your contemporary lifestyle. The brand explores a mindful approach to design that demonstrates relaxed versatility for an effortless, modern Scandinavian style, which has comfort at the core of it’s aesthetic."

I would quite happily fill my wardrobe and kitchen with all of the Gray & Willow! The clothing does have a relaxed feel about it and would be ideal for a busy mum's capsule wardrobe. I rarely have time to think, let alone plan my outfits, and instead rotate around a few tops with jeans (Breton stripe, navy jumper or a black shirt) or a few smart/casual dresses that I team with thick tights for work. I desperately need a few more items and am just loving this brand. I'm hoping that soon I can justify a wee shopping spree.

Cocktails from Hutcheson's

Gray & Willow Fashion

:-)

Gray & Willow Homeware

Gray & Willow Scarf - thank you HOF :-)

Disclosure - I received a goodie bag on attending the HOF AW15 event

Fashion - Mint Velvet

I love Mint Velvet. I was introduced to the brand at the end of 2011 by House of Fraser's personal shopper Jeanette, and it's now one of my go-to labels for when I need a new item to add to my capsule wardrobe. At the moment a number of my tops have become worn out through a few years of wear and tear. I could be done with another casual top for day-to-day so I thought I would do a bit of online browsing! 

Here's my top picks:

Grey Burnout Ombre Tee, £49

Grey Denim Shirt, £69

Black Victoriana Top, £69

I love the button detailing on the front and back of this shirt. Just gorgeous and I thought this would be a versatile piece that could be dressed down with jeans or equally dressed up for a dinner date :-)

Granite Shimmer Long Sleeve Tee, £49

There are quite a few different shimmer tees in Mint Velvet at the moment - I do love a bit of sparkle and sequins in my outfits! And I also spotted these fantastic trainers:

Charcoal Glitter Alice Trainer, £89

Giveaway Four - Beauty Hamper from House of Fraser

I would absolutely love for you to vote for me in the Clickstay Mummy Blogger Awards. It takes 2 seconds and you can vote here up to once daily. I'm currently in third place, but I would be over the moon if I made it into the top spot as the prize is £1000 towards a villa in Portugal which would allow me to go with the kids on our first family holiday in the sun. Thanks so much for your ongoing support - it's much appreciated. Sarah x
Yesterday was the official birthday of the Glasgow Mummy blog! I have been writing on these pages for four years now... can you believe it? 

No, neither can I!!

I have a final giveaway to share with you to thank you for your support over the years... House of Fraser, Glasgow have very kindly made me up a Beauty Hamper for one lucky reader. If you're aren't the lucky winner, then HOF have the Big Brand Sale running just now with up to 50% off; definitely worth checking out.

So what's in the stash I hear you ask? Well, there is...

A zebra print Roberto Cavalli clutch bag

Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Body Wash, 50 mL

Azzaro Pour Homme, £30 mL

Yohji Yamamoto Eau de Parfum, 10 mL

Yohji Homme Eau de Toilette, 10 mL

Nails Inc Snowflake, Whitechapel 14 mL

Clinique Clarifying Lotion, 30 mL

Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover, 30 mL

Clarins HydraQuench Cream, 5 mL

Clarins HydraQuench Mask, 5 mL

Clarins Men Super Moisture Balm, 5 mL

Plus samples of the following:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Jean Paul Gaultier Madame EDT

Jean Paul Gaultier Fleur du Male EDT

Davidoff Cool Water EDT

Vivienne Westwood Cheeky Alice EDT

Elie Saab le Parfum Couture

Elie Saab le Parfum Intense

Paisley Etro EDT

And then I threw in a few things from me too:

Molton Brown Heavenly Ginger Body Cream, 100 mL

Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream (sample)

Origins GinZing refreshing scrub cleanser (sample)

cK 3-in-1 face make-up (sample)

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (sample)

Priori Skin Renewal Cream (sample)

Prior Barrier Repair Complex (sample)

All you need to do is enter the rafflecopter below... easy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There is only one prize.
UK entrants only please.
No cash alternative available.
Good luck :-)

Have you voted here? Thanks again!!!! Apologies for all the spam, it'll stop soon!

Giveaway - There's always time for tea!

Hello folks...

I've been a little quiet this week on social media as I've been working longer hours at my new job and trying my best to quickly get into a new routine. Things are a tad stressful, my house is a tip and I am coming down with a cold...not good!

Anyway, one thing that always makes me feel better is a nice cup of tea (I have one in my hand as I write this!), or even a hot Ribena and this week I've been on the Lemsip too! The littlest even likes a warm juice!!

I sometimes find that just taking a few minutes out to prepare a cuppa is enough to relax me a bit!! At my new work we have boiling water on tap, but I don't have that luxury at home...

I've been kindly offered a Breville Traditional Kettle in Vanilla Cream to giveaway to one of my lucky followers by House of Fraser. It has a 3kW fastboil element for a quick cuppa and 360 degree base for left- and right-hand use. House of Fraser have a wide selection of stylish kettles for your hot water needs whether it be for tea, coffee or juice!

All you need to do is enter the Rafflecopter below:

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Good luck :)

Open to UK residents only

There is only one prize

No cash alternative
The giveaway ends on Monday 2nd February

{Gilda & Pearl - The interview}

Lingerie to Love, Made and Handfinished in the UK

As I mentioned on Sunday, I was at House of Fraser, Glasgow to meet with Diane, the founder of Gilda & Pearl and here is the interview I promised you all :)

Diane, who is originally from Glasgow, has been designing for as long as she can remember... Whilst working in magazines in London she had the opportunity to train with the designer who created Princess Diana's lingerie trousseau for her marriage to Prince Charles. She helped Diane make some samples which she took to Portobello market and shortly thereafter her pieces were being stocked in a boutique in the city area of London. The Observer magazine photographed them and Figleaves placed an order with her... all in a matter of months.

Diane explained to me the reasoning behind the name Gilda & Pearl...

"Gilda refers to Rita Hayworth's character in the movie of the same name. She's very glamourous and gorgeous and her wardrobe is all made to measure or bespoke. It credited her in becoming the ultimate femme fatale. Her costume designer also made the nude crystal dress that Marilyn Monroe wore when she sang Happy Birthday Mr President. Beautiful clothing and beautiful details can become quite iconic and feminine but also quite strong.

Pearl refers to something that is really beautiful to look at and never mass manufactured... something timeless."

The vision for the brand was clear from the outset. Gilda & Pearl is a heritage brand offering a bespoke service, which adds something unique. Diane was also keen for her pieces to be made in the UK as much as possible.

"It's a high price point and a luxury product, but to be able to say it's been made carefully and in the UK is important."

The brand, which was founded 5 years ago, is already international with stockists in China, Japan, North America and Australia. The pop-up shop in House of Fraser, Glasgow, is the first time the main collection has been sold in Glasgow. Diane is aiming for Gilda & Pearl to be available in at least one department store in the next six months.

I was intrigued by the design process. Diane collects clippings throughout the year and has great fun looking at lace, satin and trims that inspire her. Her favourite fabric to work with is silk, although she has sourced a sheer silk tulle which is also excited about. As far as possible the materials are sourced from the UK. For example, the lace used in the How to Marry a Millionaire range (such a great name!!) is from their Nottingham supplier.

How to Marry a Millionaire Padded Bra, £69

Diane also wears the lingerie she creates. This way she knows how it lasts and if there's any room for improvement. It was a tough choice for her to make but her favourite pieces are the luxurious loungewear.

After having had two little ones, I'm a bit self conscious about my tummy. So I was keen to hear if the brand catered for all shapes and sizes.

"Absolutely, Gilda & Pearl is about making the wearer feel fantastic. We have a number of very flattering robes, kimonos and beautiful slips to suit all shapes. We're also looking to introduce a range of shapewear."

Lovers of Montparnasse Babydoll, £195 (one of my favourites!)

What are your five must haves that you carry with you in your handbag?

"I carry so much around with me at the moment as I'm so busy! I'm always emailing, so my phone and iPad or laptop are two essentials. I'd also have a kimono if I'm travelling - if there's a problem with my luggage then I know I can get to the hotel and relax. My lipgloss is another essential. And then I'd also have a book of some kind. I'm currently reading about Marilyn Monroe's life. Quite light reading but I enjoy it."

How to Marry a Millionaire Gown, £275

What three things should every woman have in her wardrobe?

"A gorgeous, well fitting bra makes you feel really good... A great accessory - for me it's a big fur stole that instantly makes me feel good... Lastly, a beautiful bag that stands up to the wear and tear of busy life."

I asked Diane what advice she would give to anyone who wanted to become a fashion designer. Her wise words are applicable across many industries...

Believe in yourself.

Get as much experience as you can.

Listen to what people are telling you,  but trust your own instincts.

Be as creative as you want.

The Gilda & Pearl pop-up shop is open in House of Fraser until Friday 14th February (Valentine's Day!). The lingerie is also available to purchase online here, where there is even Drop a Hint and Get It By The Weekend services.

{When Glasgow Mummy met #luckydick}

This weekend I stopped by House of Fraser on Buchanan Street to check out the Valentine's pop-up shops, Dick Winters and Gilda & Pearl.

Quintessentially British Boxer Shorts

House of Fraser is continuing with their Scottish Design programme and have introduced the luxury lingerie brand Gilda & Pearl and the heritage male underwear brand Dick Winters for two weeks only. 

The backing of the two brands sees the concept of "House of Fraser Presents..." evolve and the company continues to embrace its home grown talent.

I met briefly with Claire and Emma, the duo behind the brand Dick Winters, which is based in Glasgow. We spoke briefly about the company, the boxers and the clever marketing campaign. I had a feel of the material (not on the model, I hasten to add!)... a smooth British microfibre - an Actisystem textile which is apparently very comfortable and breathable. #Luckydick Ryan has also said the boxers wash really well. And at £28 a pair, I think they're reasonable for such a quality product. On the signature waistband at the back there is an silk woven label personalised with the 'dick'.... choose from 'clever dick', 'lucky dick', sporty dick', 'rock dick' and 'old dick'. I think the play on words is rather amusing and really clever! I'm a sucker for packaging as regular readers will know!

I believe both #luckydick and #cleverdick are going to be in store on Friday 14th, so do go in and say Hello!

Glasgow Mummy & #luckydick! (properly embarrassed - look at my red cheeks!!)

Up a level takes you to the luxurious pink pop-up shop of Gilda & Pearl - lingerie to love, made and handfinished in the UK. Again, another Glasgow-based brand, which has been growing considerably since it's launch in 2008.

I had a short interview with Diane, the designer, and I'll share this with you shortly on the blog. Her pieces are beautiful, my favourite is the 'How to Marry a Millionaire' range (again, very clever marketing!) and I adore the big silk bows.

How to Marry a Millionaire Bow Knicker, £69

For those of you that are yet to choose Valentine's Day gifts for your other halves... pop into House of Fraser and you'll be sorted!

{Baby It's Cold Outside}

I've been 'window shopping' (online!) and lusting after a winter coat which is cosy but equally smart enough for a day/night out. At the moment the only warm jacket I have is my North Face parka, which isn't ideal for heading out for dinner or drinks! On the other end of the scale, I have an amazing big black faux fur coat which was gifted to me by my good friend Perth Mummy, but it's really glam and I've love something that's in the middle of the two! Too much to ask??

Keeping with the faux fur theme (it is warm after all!), I love this black jacket from Phase Eight. I just wish there was something along these lines, but with a hood as I hate having to carry an umbrella!

Fern Faux Fur Jacket, £130 at House of Fraser

This grey coat from Biba at House of Fraser looks equally cosy:

But again, no hood :-(

Short Fur Coat, Now £118.30 at HOF

This one from Next is less pricey and comes in at £70, but it doesn't look as cosy without the collar:

Neutral Short Faux Fur Jacket, Next

My other thought was to get a shorter parka with a hood which would hopefully be cosy, but smarter than my North Face. Something along the lines of this Mint Velvet parka perhaps... 

Mint Velvet Storm Grey Fur Hood Padded Parka, £169.00 at HOF

Or this fur lined one from Oasis, which is a much more reasonable £88:

Fur Lined Parka

Or how about a duffel coat with a hood, in navy unfortunately but fits the bill in terms of smart/casual I think:

ASOS Hooded A-Line Duffle Coat with Fur Trim Hood, £70

And lastly, I wanted to share this beauty... totally glam and not what I'm looking for, but I love it! 

Karen Millen Ultimate Coat in Leo Print, £350 at asos.com

Tell me, what coat and jacket style are you wearing this winter? I need some inspiration! :-)

PS Thankfully tonight I don't need to head out into the cold, as Social and Cocktail are coming to mine for an intimate cocktail party with a few of my friends. Watch this space for more details...

{Sandwich at House of Fraser}

I was delighted to be invited along to an intimate evening at House of Fraser for a close-up look at some of the new brands that have arrived in store. 18 new brands have arrived into womenswear and accessories for Autumn/Winter 2013!

I arrived a teeny bit late (I missed my train, oops!) and was feeling a bit frazzled, but soon was relaxing with a glass of fizz and some canapes with the HOF team and fellow bloggers Thank Fifi, Bee Waits, Frock Trade, Betty Swollocks, Lisa Ringrose and Emma Watson.

We heard pitches from the brand managers of Hallhuber, Norr, Stefanel, St Martins and Sandwich before being paired up with a brand to hit the shop floor. I was escorted from Hugh's Champagne Bar to have a closer look at Sandwich, the brand that was selected for me (I felt very special being in the store after hours!). Anyway, it was a perfect match and I loved a lot of the pieces. I had to admit that I hadn't heard of sandwich before, have you? They're a Dutch company that is still family owned, which I love.

"Sandwich is fashion to be worn in the everyday"

{Sandwich at House of Fraser}

I am trying to stick to a capsule wardrobe and need my clothing to be versatile. I also need my wardrobe to be practical... I spend my working hours at my desk and then when I'm with the kids I can be crawling on the ground, lots of kneeling down and will inevitably end up covered in paint or flour (or worse!). So I need my clothing to fit and wash well. I've been reliably informed that Sandwich clothing washes very well... perfect :-)

I tend to spend a bit more money on classic pieces rather than changing with the trends, and I loved the look of so many of the Sandwich items. Right up my street! I also thought that price-wise the clothing is reasonable, and is in the same range that I would normally pay for such items normally.

This wrap dress would be perfect with tights and court shoes for my work; but equally perfect with leggings and boots for a day with the kids. Layered wrap dress, Sandwich at HOF £79

I also loved this dress:

Crepe dress, Sandwich at HOF £99

And I thought this jersey top would be quite versatile:

Long Jersey Top, Sandwich at HOF £49

I think the only negative for me is that the trousers only come in one length, whereas I need an extra long inside leg! I loved these textured grey trousers:

Textured fabric trousers, Sandwich at HOF £99

All the items tone together beautifully, making it easy to mix and match. I was reminded of Mint Velvet, and I have a number of their items in my wardrobe right now.

The other brand that I fell in love with was Hallhuber. Again, I hadn't heard of them. But they have some gorgeous pieces. I have my eye on a fabulous black and gold dress for my office Christmas party!! I am definitely going back to House of Fraser soon!

Make sure you have a peek at the other girls blogs to check out the other brands, and I'd highly recommend you pop into House of Fraser - there have been some big changes over the two womenswear floors of late. Plus the Christmas lights will be going on soon... it's magical!!

I received an amazing goodie bag from the lovely people at HOF for attending this event. All the opinions above, as always, are my own.

{Diamonds and Thrills: Glasgow Loves Christmas}

I was invited to a have a special day out in Glasgow city centre as part of Glasgow Loves Christmas. Glasgow is widely known for it's style and shops, and for a stressed, busy mummy I was very excited to be spending my child-free day having a personal shopping trip for a party outfit, followed by a mini-facial and makeover, some afternoon tea (& champagne!) and a browse round the shops on Glasgow's Style Mile!

What better way to start the day... (well, I can think of some things, but a cup of tea will have to suffice!! Haha)

The personal shopping suite at House of Frasers

The personal shopping service at House of Fraser is a free styling service, and can be used to find that one special thing (for me I fancied a new sparkly jumper for the winter season) to a whole new wardrobe (which is what I did previously - here and here!). You can set the budget, and there is no pressure at all to buy anything (honest!). At Glasgow there are now three personal shoppers, each with very different styles, so there will be someone for everyone! And yes, you read that correctly - the service is free... you only pay for what you buy.

New jewelled jumper from Warehouse (as seen in Elle apparently!)

Although, I have just discovered that Warehouse have 25% off all full price items on their website using the code xmasgift. So I've just ordered it from there instead and will return this one to HOF (with standard delivery at £3.50 - I've managed to save £8! You can also pay using PayPal, so it's so easy & straightforward).

I did also buy another sparkly jumper (I just couldn't pick between them), a pencil skirt for work and an amazing dress which I will be wearing on my work Christmas do! I'll keep the dress a secret until then... watch this space!!

Sequins wool jumper from Mango (Again, this jumper is £10 cheaper at the moment if you buy direct from Mango website - free delivery and you can pay with PayPal too! - sorry HOF, but this one is coming back also)

I guess that would be the only downside to personal shopping that I can think of - you may miss out on some bargains that you might find online. I've managed to save £18 by getting two of the items direct from the store online. However, the other two items I bought were part of a special promotion at HOF and I saved 30% and 20% off, which I wouldn't have got if I went direct to the store. If you time your visit well, you could really make the most of the Christmas sales!

For a busy working mum, the personal shopping service is ideal. I don't have time to trawl the shops anymore, so having someone at HOF knows their stock is the perfect solution. I walked in and told Emma-Jo exactly what I was looking for, and within just over an hour I was leaving with not one, but two amazing sparkly jumpers, a party outfit and a pencil skirt. A very productive morning!

After the personal shopping, I headed down to Lancôme for a mini-facial and makeover with Marc, stopping on the way to absorb some of the Christmas atmosphere and enjoy the fairy lights.

As you all know, I'm obsessed with fairy lights... check out all the lights at HOF. I was in heaven!! The store looks amazing and very festive.

All the Lancôme goodies!

My skin is in a bit of a mess right now and so Marc was filling me in on the products that I should be using. I admit that I've never really used Lancôme before, but I have to say I was rather impressed. Marc has assured me that the Visionnaire serum will 'change your life'. A powerful statement, and I will see if it's true! I purchased a Hydra Zen Neutrocalm moisturiser (soothing, anti-stress - just what I need right now!) and it came with a small Visionnaire sample bottle.

Lancôme Vissionaire Recovery Serum - wrinkles appear visibly reduced, pores look minimised and imperfections such as uneven skin tone appear more even.

Marc certainly had me convinced, but the scientist in me wants to try it out to see for sure! I'm not sure I believe all the beauty buzz words from the advertising campaigns.

So, with my make-up done and looking fabulous I headed to Argyll Arcade to meet two of my friends for afternoon tea at The Thrill Room at Rox. The Thrill Room features an exclusive Moët and Chandon champagne bar (don't mind if I do!) and on Sundays there is afternoon tea! We were looked after by the lovely bar staff and Stephanie brought us a selection of fashion jewellery to try on. It was great fun!

Moët and Chandon champagne bar

The Thrill Room at Rox

Champagne & strawberries? Yes please! 

Which was closely followed by tea, tablet & mini mince pies:

We were all loving the gold plated vertebrae bracelet by Shaun Leane

We were also loving the Shaun Leane Hook Talon earrings, which have been seen on X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger:

Shaun Leane Hook Talon earrings

  

The three of us - me, Becky & Lauren (loving the fact that we're all tall!)

I got a little bit carried away (it was the champagne, and Lauren's bad influence!!) and ended up buying myself a beautiful ring... like this one, but in silver:

Alexis Dove Wild Rose Ring (hopefully it will arrive in time for Christmas)

The morning of activities was organised for me, the champagne & afternoon tea were complimentary and as always, opinions are my own!

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