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Style

My Fashion Favorites of The Royal Wedding

by thelifestylelady May 22, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

Well what a wonderful weekend that was, it makes me so proud to see my country displayed in so much pomp and pageantry. It is something we do so well. The God’s were with us and sent the most beautiful day and when the sun shines with a backdrop like Windsor, fairytales really do come true. Today I am sharing a few of my favorite looks from the wedding. I can honestly say I don’t think I have seen such exciting fashion choices since Diana days. I genuinely was beaming at the beautiful dresses worn, everyone came with their A game. There is nothing like a Royal Wedding to set trends and since we are at the beginning of the wedding season I wanted to share some of the themes I noticed.

Pale Pink. This was by far the most popular color choice or perhaps it was the color chosen by the most fashionable women which is a winner. It is such a soft and romantic color and would be perfect if you have a summer wedding coming up.
Strong Color, in contrast to the pale and softness of the pink, we did see strong gem colors, there was plenty of purple, emerald green and viridian. I did wonder if guests were expecting a colder, greyer day. May can be a difficult month in the UK as the weather is so changeable. It can be gorgeous one and like winter the next. If you have a fall or winter wedding these styles would be fantastic.
Embroidered and Hand Painted Dresses. These were so eye-catching and beautiful, it also could probably be worn all year round.

I now will share some of the best looks of the wonderful day:-

Pippa Middleton

Outfit: The Fold.

Loved this look, it was Spring in a dress. The color, the pattern was breathtaking, the mint green was so fresh and the blossom design screamed May in England. The style, the way it fit just spoke to a modern elegance. In true Pippa style it was the whole look which was mesmerizing, her hat was chic and neat and shoes modern and fun all finished with a simple clutch. Class act.

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Pretty Pink Dress

A trend amongst the female guests was pale pink, this female guest who I apologize I do not know showed us how to dress for a beautiful spring wedding. I loved the bracelet length sleeve, the dress’s midi length and of course it’s color. The simple design fit in with the wedding theme and supported the less is more theory. Her cream hat and chignon hair style just oozed class.
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Jacinda Barrett and Gabriel Macht

Outfit: Emilia Wickstead

These two were one of my best dressed couples, I adored the strong color. The way Gabriel matches her dress with his tie choice is romantic and a lovely touch. It is elegant and demur but has a modern look without being frumpy. My only slight complaint is her hair which I would have preferred to see tied up, it would have shown off the beautiful shoulder details of the dress. What a handsome couple.
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HRH Countess of Wessex

Outfit: Suzanne.

HRH showed women in their fifties how to dress, I loved this not simply because it was so different to anything else, but it was one of the most fashion forward and interesting outfits of the day. Surprisingly the pale blue and grey color was worn by few others. What I thought was bold was the length of the skirt, we didn’t see much midi/long length outfits, the fabric of the skirt with a slight shimmer which shone and twinkled in the sunshine and the texture/pattern of the top. She accessorized with a simple hat and her hair beautifully styled in a pleat. Again she kept the bag and shoes simple so the outfit shined. HRH rocked this look.
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Sarah Rafferty & Santtu Seppala

Outfit by Lanvin

Arguably one of the most attractive couples to attend, I liked her outfit although the navy did look a little dark/hard for the beautiful May sunshine, it did compliment her hair. I enjoyed her more fashion forward approach the sleeve and stud detail. I loved the netting over her face and the proportion of the hat was perfect in contrast to the sleeves. I had to mention her husband who looked sublime and displayed morning dress as its finest.
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Another Beautiful Pink Dress

Another lady who I thought looked stunning in pale pink, the dress was simple, elegant and appropriate for the chapel setting. I like the hat although I felt it fought the bag I think carrying a simple clutch might have made the look more styled. Although I am a proponent of hair up when wearing a hat or fascinator I think this women carries it off. Very elegant.
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Serena Linley

I wish to call this the Out of Africa outfit as it has a Safari feel. I chose this because again I felt it was very different and I loved the fuller skirt look of it. The proportions of the belt with the collar works beautifully and compliments her figure. I would have liked to see it in another color. I also like her more traditional hat choice although it did fight the collar of the coat a little.
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A Classic Look

Again an unknown guest but a lady who knows how to dress. I adore a coat dress and this is so elegant. The color was so on trend in the pale pink and the fit upon her exquisite. I love the length and the slightly puffed sleeve, what I thinks also works is her hat, it compliments without fighting the look which just adds to the understated elegance. The button detail of the coat into the fuller skirt is beyond beautiful. She should be smiling because this was one of my fav looks of the day. This look will never date. Classy lady.
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Kitty Spencer

Outfit: Dolce and Gabanna

Well this beauty could not look more like her aunt, (Diana.) Everything about this look is breathtaking and this is not a color I would normally love. Her makeup is beyond stunning and the dress just fits her body like a glove, the color choice and fabric could make it look frumpy but the modern shape and hand painted design make it modern and fresh. Her hair and hat are elegant and the netting over her face just looks stunning. She makes the look fun and youthful with the orange and velvet bag and can we take a moment to look at the necklace, simple beautiful.
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Countess Spencer

Not to be outdone by her step-daughter Countess Spencer was one of the first to arrive for the wedding and she for me set the tone for the fashion stakes. The color might have been a little dark for the occasion but the bracelet length sleeve counter balanced it. She screamed sophistication and elegance. I loved the cape style but might not have wanted to sit behind her in that hat, not sure how much you would be able to see.
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Amal Clooney

Outfit: Stella McCartney

This seems to have been for most, the best dressed, I liked it but didn’t feel it was the best dressed. The color suited her complexion but I felt the design combined with the beautiful back detail/sash swamped her tiny frame, I think it might have looked better on a fuller figure. The hat was beautiful with the veil/netting but she did continually fidget with her hair throughout which suggested to me she was uncomfortable. It was a beautiful look and she does have George on her arm, although I think George might have looked better in a darker color.
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Marcus Mumford & Carrie Mulligan

Beautiful couple and she resonated with another fashion trend of the wedding the embroidered dress, they both looked happy and comfortable. I did think the black sash added a more modern edge and provided a contrast to the feminine sleeves and dress design.
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Pink Dress

Another unknown but very stylish guest the pale pink dress and the hat look sublime . A total contrast to the lady in the navy whose dress is too short. The neckline on the pink dress is to die for and the flower detail on the hat is exquisite.
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Sofia Wellesley and James Blunt

Outfit: Valentino

This might be my best dressed lady. What more needs to be said, it sings to spring and the embroidered dress trend. The little details like the collar and sleeve frill add interest. It it is so feminine and she accessorized it simply so the dress was central. It was so different, bold and pretty. I am sure this is a love/hate look but I loved loved loved it.
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Abigail Spencer and Priyanka Chopra

Outfit: Alessandra Rich and Vivienne Westwood

Firstly I loved the vintage feel of the spotty dress with the little collar, the hat, bag, belt and shoes all fitted the look. It was so different to anything else, it was so fun and flirty but still looked demur and appropriate. It was a fantastic example of showing your personality and style in a fun way.

Priyanka’s suit blew me away, it was a modern take on a traditional suit. The fit and color was stunning, the hat even complimented that beautiful neckline. The shoes I was less keen on, but overall she was one of the front runners for best dressed.
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Serena Williams

Outfit: Versace

Serena looked simply beautiful, again in pale pink but she showed ladies how to dress curves. I was not mad about the necklace but loved her hair back and the way she let the dress be central. Beautiful work.
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The Middleton Family

Very little to say about this stylish and elegant family. They show us all how to do it. Carol Middleton exudes the mantra of “if it aint broke” by wearing a dress/coat combo from Catherine Walker as she did for both her daughters. The mint green spoke to spring and looked effortless and age appropriate. The men look super.
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Julia Carey and James Corden

Outfit: Tom Ford

Love this couple. Best dressed by a mile and looked happy and honored to be there. She looked divine and he scrubbed up well in morning suit. The best of British ambassadors.
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Stunning Pink Dress

Another favorite pink dress look with beautiful hat. I love the bow sleeve detail which makes this dress more interesting. The flower detail of the hat is so romantic and shouts wedding. Stunning guest.
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Gina Torres

This was another different look, the red lace dress complimented her skin tone exquisitely. I loved the midi length and the high neck. The beading detail and red and white color stopped it from looking frumpy. I also adored the panama style hat she accessorized with, it let the dress be central and spoke to the many women who don’t feel comfortable in a hat. She looked so chic and appropriate. I loved it.
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What looks did you love? Do you agree with me? Let me know.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Ta Ta for now

May 22, 2018 2 comments

House Tour- Part 1 Little L Bedroom

by thelifestylelady November 3, 2017

Howdy Y’all

Today is a great day because I get to share with y’all the first room in our new home. If you have followed me for a while you will know I mentioned it was my intention to share areas of my home as the reached completion. The house is a labor of love, we purchased it back in March and after some hefty renovations we moved in June. If you have moved recently you will know what a time consuming project creating a home is. I bound into the house with lots of plans and ideas, after renting for an extended period. I couldn’t wait to choose colors and fabrics but at the same time was conscious not to make expensive mistakes. Choosing furniture that works and will stand the test of time is an investment. One thing I have learnt during my constant moving is the importance of getting the family settled. In my life this has meant always getting Little L’s room unpacked and surrounding her with the possessions she loves and that are familiar. With our new home this was no different. I wanted her room to be one of the first finished and I stuck true to my word and I share that with you today.

A brief synopsis to those of you who may not know, Little L is three and very nearly four. I was wanting her room to reflect a little girl and no longer a baby. A room which could adapt and grow with her as she develops. You will see in the below pictures she is not in a crib and we purchased her Jenny Lind toddler bed when she became two. It is our intention to change her to a bigger girl bed in the next year or two and I was conscious that the design of the room would have to be adaptable. The current need is for a pretty, creative, fun and imaginative space where she can play, relax, read and rest. I had such fun picking colors with her. I did give her carte blanche to choose the color of her room and I confess I was not disappointed with her choice. Little L loves pink and if you can not embrace that with full gusto when you are small when can you. We took the Benjamin Moore samples and decided on Elephant Pink. It is a very close match to Middleton Pink by Farrow and Ball and I was thrilled with the finish. I love the balance between strength of color and the light in the room. It is always important when choosing colors for your home (and I consider myself a semi-expert after the last few months) to consider the natural light in your home, its position in terms of how it faces and how much artificial light you have. These all matter to how successful a color will sit and suit your room, all this without touching on other textures and colors of the room.

The finished room. A place where she loves to be.

You will see in the above photo, the finished room from her doorway. The beautiful window allows a plethora of natural light and I didn’t want to cover that with blinds, we found these linen Pottery Barn Kids drapes that we both liked. I was a little concerned at first about them being too pink but I knew that I would be changing her bed out in the long term which will be bringing much more white and textile to the pink. The linen fabric of the drapes softens the color and the bows add some texture and interest. My only bug bare is that they crease and I am forever steaming them!

I am also intending when she progresses to a bigger bed to get another rug but for this short time, this works. It works well to define space for her and she knows this is her rest/sleep place. You will note the furry bean bag propped up against the window, one thing about a toddler bed is that they are not designed for comfortable story telling for the teller. In my and Mr L’s advanced years this provides some comfort for us. It is handy for her to lift and move around the room if she is playing in other areas. The book manger at the end of her bed is marvelous. We did originally have a book case and I often found she was more reluctant to go and explore her books or alternatively she would make a total mess pulling everything out. This has really helped. It holds some of her total faves and I often transfer books around so she always reads different things. It is a total LL love.

A close up and you can see all the books she loves. Plus the shelf underneath is great for additional storage.

In the first picture you could not see perhaps my favorite part of the room which is to the right of the door and that is her teepee and dress up area. Little L much like her parents loves to read and this teepee provides a wonderful place to snuggle up with her favorite soft toys read and play. I am not sure how clear it is from my photograph but the inside is lined with fairy lights which are on a timer and add to the cozy feel. I placed a patchwork quilt on the base which breaks the color up and is dead easy to lift and wash which is necessary when having a tea party with the fairies (they love goldfish apparently!) I placed a variety of throw pillows in different shapes and sizes at the back and sides. This allows the tent to keep its shape and it is more comfortable. You can see from the picture that the Princesses and Peppa family are very comfortable.

Under the flower garland you will see another of my crafty efforts where I made a dream catcher. This was simple to make and I think it adds a statement. You can of course buy these but I couldn’t find one I liked enough and I have been happy with the result. It works well in the room, what is not clear is that is also has beads and bells on the end which add some playful interest. The flower garland which again was made by ~~Martha Stewart~~ me. It is a recent addition and I think it adds a little sophistication, color and texture to the space. I also adore flowers and this was a wonderful way to add country flowers that wont die or get spilt. I love that I could incorporate Roses in the project. Little L often refers to it as part of her fairy garden.

Next to her teepee is her dress up space. She loves to dress up and is a different princess every morning. I wanted a place where they were easily accessible, pretty, functional and organized and this has all bases covered. I really encourage independence and want her to do as much for herself as possible. There is plenty of hanging space a shelf at the top for crowns, tiaras, hats etc and she can reach it. Plus underneath a place to store all the shoes and other paraphernalia. I love the pretty design, I hate to compromise beauty for function. The mirror next to her allows her to get see herself easily and safely. Plus it all matches.

I will let you into a little secret, I hide some of the ugly things behind her door. The two strings hold her hair accessories and this horrendous cheap shoe holder is on the back of her door and works very well for holding her Barbie dolls and her plastic toys. She also can reach and put them away herself.

If you remember from the first picture you will have noticed the most stunning dolls house which was a beautiful gift from a dear friend. I was very keen to get this up and off the floor and have enough space so that she could open and play with it. It also helps stop items from creeping on the floor. It looks beautiful in the corner and creates a lovely focal point.

Below I share some other areas of the room.

Such cute babies which she loves having close to her own bed

This area is used for everything coloring to tea parties

How cute are these seat cushions? I love the texture. I had made some but they have been replaced with these.

A tea party fit for a British Princess

The best sleep clock ever! The lamp can be toddler opperated.

This is such a special picture for me and I hope she will always have on her wall

Another picture taken from her bathroom door. You can see her draws, I changed the knobs to make it look a little different

The most important thing to me is that I have a happy client, who loves to play in this room and I love to play with her. I will share the next phase of the room when she moves to a big girl bed next year. Hope you enjoyed it, any questions please get in touch.

Ta Ta for now

November 3, 2017 2 comments

Style

Fashion Hack – Breaking in new shoes!

by thelifestylelady November 16, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

Sorry it has been a little quiet on TLL this week, I have continued feeling ill. I swear that we are playing football with germs at the moment in the Lifestyle household. I can not say I am on my deathbed but just low grade things which seem to sap my energy, plus honestly I am finding all the negativity surrounding us at the moment a little draining. I am lacking inspiration and creativity. As I mentioned in an earlier post I am not sure what I think about the current election result, if you remove policies and the political element, I have to say I am so disappointed not to see a women elected. Privately as a mother of a daughter I am a little depressed that we have not been able to remove one of the final glass ceilings. It is difficult to say to your daughter that the world is her oyster and that she can be whomever or whatever she wishes because I feel like that is a lie. I do struggle to accept a leader who has verbalized such utter disrespect for women, but I believe everyone makes mistakes and we can all get swept away. Plus my gut tells me that he does respect women. So I pray that now the bravado and razzmatazz of the campaigns are over we can all put on our big girl/boy panties, accept the result and move forwards as much as possible in peace and harmony. After all that is democracy and how lucky are we to have the freedom to vote. I also remind myself how far we as women have come, less that a hundred years ago women could not even vote in the US.

Today I wanted to share with you a hack which works. Are you like me and love to read all the beauty or fashion hacks you can digest? One thing I hate is breaking in new shoes, which is bonkers for a women who loves shoes like TLL. I will tell you a secret, one of the first purchases I made when we moved to the US almost six years ago was a pair of Tory Burch leopard flats. I had always admired them and I was secretly thrilled when I added them to my closet, happy that was until I tried wearing them. Oh golly goodness they were unbearable. I hate blisters (I don’t know anyone who like them!) I think I must have very sensitive feet (I am a delicate petal.) They were so uncomfortable that I was looking to buy other flats with same pattern in a different brand – which is barmey. I love how the Tory Burch ones look on the feet, I thought I wont be beaten and I want to wear them this winter, so I set about finding a hack that would help make them comfortable. I read plenty which involved rubbing alcohol or soaking in water, none which would work with these particular fabric shoes. I then came across one which required a thick pair of socks, a hairdryer and the culprits (uncomfortable shoes.) You are required to warm your socks with the hairdryer for two minutes and then put them on (careful not to burn yourself) and then place said culprits on and wear them around for ten minutes. I was expecting this to be useless but surprisingly it has worked. I intend to do a few more times, but it certainly has made a difference. I always mean to wear them about the house to break them in, but honestly I either forget or by the time I get home the appeal of comfy slippers has the upper hand. So I wanted to share this with you, it is great when we can share things that help or save time, especially in the holiday season.

Who would have thought that these items could help me never have another blister! Plus these shoes are so cute they must be worn.

One could never accuse me of being vain for the blog. How sexy is this look? Who cares if it means I can wear these shoes out and about. Plus I have biro marks on my legs from Little L who found great amusement drawing on my legs during her 3 year wellness check today. Whatever keeps the peace #momlife.

I wish you a happy Wednesday.

Ta Ta for now

TLL x

November 16, 2016 13 comments

Beauty Editorial Family Gift Guide Style Travel

Spring Break Essentials

by thelifestylelady February 26, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Friday! You made it through another week.Yay. So Spring Break is approaching and that for many (usually me) means sun, sand, swimming and Sangria. Unfortunately my family are on the move soon so any exciting tropical experience has been postponed. So to rub extra salt in my wounds I wanted to share with you all some ideas and essentials for that wonderful sunny beach experience. I may have to grab a few of these items so I can enjoy the Texan summer when it arrives. Anyone going anywhere gorgeous? Do you have some great recommendations of places to go?

Happy Weekend

Ta ta for now

TLL x

J Crew Panama Hat – Fashionable, elegant and practical. The hat is not too large that you find you are constantly removing it. Looks cute and you are protecting your face from the sun. Keep you looking youthful.

2. Brown Leather Sandals These are beautiful and practical. The color goes with everything.

3. Pretty Beaded Clutch Love this! If you can not have something pretty and colorful when its very sunny and the sand is between you toes, when can you? In the evenings what do you need more than your room key and lippie? It screams holiday to me!

4.Turkish Towel Less bulky than a regular towel and so pretty. Such a variety of colors and take up less space in your case and beach tote. Win win.

5. Honest Sunscreen The most important item and I like to choose sunscreen which contains as few chemicals as possible. I trusted this brand with Little L’s skin last year and I will do the same with the family once again.

6. Beautiful Evening Sun Dress So many colors and styles to choose from, but every lady needs a killer evening dress for those evenings in tavernas watching the sun go down and for romantic strolls along the beach. This one is so pretty.

7. Cover- Up Kimono All ladies need a great cover- up for walking to the beach/pool, eating lunch and covering up when the rays get too much. This is pretty and such a good price point. White and blue is so pretty and fresh looking, great for spring break.

8. A great book A holiday essential and this is one of my favs. While researching this for this post, I was elated to see that it was becoming a movie with none other than Micheal Fassbender playing the lead. Wow. Read the book it is a beautiful story.

9. Swim Suit A great one-piece is essential and I love blue, not a black gal (although I should be for slimming necessity!) This is classic but still has a sexy/youthful edge. Would look perfect in paradise.

10. A great tote A fantastic bag is essential, whether it is to carry lots of items to the beach or for the flight, these totes are amongst the best. They are made from sailcloth which makes them strong and sturdy. They are functional and in such lovely designs.

11. Statement Earrings Earrings of the season and so pretty with summer hair styles. So many colors and styles to choose. A summer must.

12. Lifefactory Water Bottle So important to stay hydrated and stylish and this achieves both.

13. Sunglasses Sun protection is so important and eyes are no exception. These glasses will have you looking cool and protecting your eyes.

Shirt I am a sucker for a man in a check shirt and all men in shorts with a tan look good in them, regardless of age or stature. So many colors and designs but a good check linen shirt is a holiday must for the traveling gent.
Backpack If your man is anything like Mr L he has to carry a briefcase style bag everyday and is looking for a less formal option when on vacation. This fits the bill, great color and size. It is also functional as it leaves your arms free, to help wrestle children and luggage.
Towel Functional, large and manly.
Shorts Can not go wrong with mens navy shorts.
Sunglasses Like the ladies these are functional and beautiful.
Polo Shirt A classic, variety of colors and styles.
Beach Games When you are fed up with reading and want to play a little to work up a thirst. These beach games are great fun.
Book I am not an expert in choosing literature for men but I find anything by John Le Carre is a hit with Mr L.
Swim Shorts These are fun.
Docksider Shoes Classic and comfortable and look great with shorts, a male staple.

Playsuit I love this, so pretty, great for summer and the beach.
Swim Suit I love the vintage look of this, would look great with a tan.
Beach Towel The hood on this is great, such bright colors and you can personalize.
Kaftan This tunic is super cute and works brilliantly to cover up your little one when they have had too much sun.
Backpack I am a strong believer in “what you bring you carry.” So I like to encourage Little L to carry her things and these backpacks are fantastic. Lots of sizes and designs available.
Beach Toys I bought these for Little L last year for spring break and she has loved them, reasonable price, lightweight and can be carried in your suitcase.
Hat Protecting your little one from the sun is essential and a great hat is so important. I have found these work well and they come in a variety of sizes and patterns.
Dress These are so beautiful and look wonderful on little ladies.
Sandals Little L had these last summer and I will buy her more this year. The quality is fantastic and so useful for the beach.

Swim Shorts Love the color and style of these.
Backpack Such an appropriate pattern for the beach. Let them carry all their junk in style.
Polo Another classic which will never date and looks great on the beach.
Shirt Smart and fun, told you I like check.
Towel Such a fun pattern
Beach Toys Just showing my Brit side with a cricket set. I had one growing up and it was so well traveled.
Shorts Love these are the color. So fun.
Sandals Love these sandals in navy or brown for boys. Super functional and classic.
Hat It is so important to keep their faces protected from the sun and this is so cute.

February 26, 2016 12 comments

Style

High Five Monday – Fall Fashion Loves x

by thelifestylelady October 19, 2015

Howdy Y’all,

How was your weekend? Mine was a wonderful, I have family visiting and we went to a farm with rides and a fall celebration it was a fabulous time. Little L was in her element as she had her first pony ride which was as much of a thrill for her as for me (and she was a natural.) It really is good for the soul to spend time outdoors with those you love, treasured memories were made. When you live so far from special people you learn to appreciate the time you spent together.

I am well aware for the majority of you it has been cooling down for a while and you have been enjoying the trappings of cooler fashion. It finally is showing minute signs of cooling here and being super excited I wanted to share with you my fav fall items, things I am eager to wear. Most of these will transcend to winter so if a few are a little pricier you can justify it the lifestyle way 😉.

1. Gilet or Vest – either describes this versatile item which is perfect for the season. This year in particular I have noticed a larger selection in styles, patterns and colors. I own two and hope to replace once this season!!

Fantastic Pattern

Traditional and Timeless

Cheaper and very cheerful x

2. Comfy Sneakers/Trainers – now I never thought I TLL would ever be the advocate of these, but life for me has changed and ballet pumps or boots just don’t hack it when I am running around after a toddler. So fear not those who know me well I will not be wearing loud and proud athletic shoes with my jeans but this season I found some keepers.

Want these ! My size out of stock- agh

Own these, love the shoreline design so easy to wear and no laces issue!

Cool and fab color

3. Plaid/Tartan Blanket Scarf- I will be honest I bought one of these last winter, so am totally thrilled to see them back in vogue once again. My mantra the bigger the better which might not work so well if you are on the petite side, but stores are producing a variety of sizes. This really depends what colors suits you and what patterns you like.

I own this scarf and have a matching one for Little L, love it

Classic navy and green

Another classic

4. Breton Tops- the classic stripe. Call me traditional I am always drawn to the chic navy and white. It has that Audrey Hepburn feel. They are everywhere in all colors and styles. I have a collection and they never date. I want to add red and white to the pile.

Saint James the standard in breton tops

Another must have

Love this color and love Boden

5. The Trench Coat- an absolute must for every closet or wardrobe. I like most things think this is worth investing in but the high street produces such fun varieties in colors and styles each season. This item is so elegant and keeps you looking put together even in the rain. I bought a new classic last season but here are a few that have caught my eye. I do hope to get some wear out of mine, we need some rain in the South.

Love Gap and navy is so classic

The ultimate trench

Timeless

So that’s my loves for the season. I have plenty more I want to share with you all. Is that something you might be interested in? What are your loves? What do you disagree with? Get in touch.

Enjoy Monday!

Ta Ta for now

TLL x

October 19, 2015 0 comment

Style

Fall Favorites Friday – Handbags

by thelifestylelady September 4, 2015

Howdy Y’all,

Have I mentioned before my small penchant for all things handbag and purse? Now I am one fussy customer in this field and my passion although expensive is very contained. I don’t love that many bags but when I do I fall hard. Are you the same way? I have some lovely bags, but I am less inclined to use them currently as sippy cup stains and wet wipe marks are not the easiest thing to remove from leather interiors. So I wanted to keep this fairly brief but below are pictures of my dream closet of bags!

Leave me a comment of what I have missed out or other bags I should be salivating over!!

Happy Weekend.

Ta Ta for now

TLL x

Bags from left to right:-

Mulberry Bayswater I confess to owning two of these. One I bought second-hand and the other a gift and I can quite honestly say they get better with age. The craftsmanship and the quality of the leather is everything you would expect from a company like Mulberry. I own a few other Mulberry products and have never been disappointed. I would like to own the chocolate color one day, who wouldn’t? Brown is so versatile and I find a more flattering, softer option to the ever popular black. I have used mine so much, it’s small enough to use as an everyday purse but large enough to use as airplane carry on (pre-child) or work bag to carry iPad etc.The design is timeless and would suit everyone. I will use mine for a good while yet and I hope to pass down to Little L, they really are an inheritance piece.

Prada Saffiano Lux Double-Zip Tote This bag is one of my newest desire, there are many other designers who have similar styles. Tory Burch springs to mind. I really love the look of this Prada bag. So elegant and smart. Would be a great accompaniment to a working closet. I am told the zip compartments hold an iPad perfectly. Not sure how versatile it would be for a young mummy but I could stare at it thinking of a past self. The colors this bag comes in are beautiful also. The blue is stunning. Maybe one day.

Hermes 30cm Cognac Tan Leather Birkin Bag This to me is the bag to end all bags. I am in love with everything about it. It says simply class and elegance. The color Cognac Tan for me also says class and this is the most timeless piece. It’s simply a shame that the price tag is so extreme. A gal can dream or win the lotto.

Chloe Drew Mini Bag This another LL newbie but I love it. To me it’s a more modern-day take on the Chanel classic. It comes in a variety of colors but I liked the cream. Would be a beautiful evening bag or summer bag. I love the gold accessories. It is a small bag but looks like it could hold a little more than a credit card. Do hope Chloe will keep this style around for some time yet.

LV Neverfull GM The perfect tote, comes in all LV prints. Timeless piece. Great size and could be the excellent compromise piece as a diaper bag, practicality vs style for those mummies who sometimes want to feel a little more stylish. Also great if like me you want to cart everything but the kitchen sink around with you. I do not own one but have always wanted to. If your thinking of investing in a designer bag you can’t ever go to wrong with any of the LV collection.

Chanel Classic Medium Double Flap Bag Similar to the Birkin but more affordable but we are still speaking big bucks. This bag is a timeless classic. I think Audrey Hepburn, Princess Grace, Princess Diana the list goes on of classy women who would have owned a bag like this. To me this is the epitome of evening bags. The gold chain, the quilted black leather and the elegance associated with a Chanel makes this an absolute staple amongst the classy rich and famous. It makes me think of St John clothing and ladies who know what style, sophistication and elegance really is.

September 4, 2015 1 comment

Family Style

Friday’s Fashion Fall Edition – Toddlers at Gap

by thelifestylelady August 28, 2015

Howdy Y’all,

I can not believe that we are nearly out of August! Fall/Autumn are around the corner, which means change of season and change of wardrobe. I will be bracing myself once again to squeeze into my jeans but more exciting, purchasing some new fashion items for Fall. With a toddler that means a whole NEW set of clothing and I always try where possible to get Little L a capsule wardrobe (where items interchange.) I also like to see what shops have on offer and make my decisions based on what will provide the best value, and quite often with children’s clothing it’s not always the cheapest. I have often found the items I have spent more on, have held up better, been worn more and therefore provided the best value. Since I have not done a toddler specific post I wanted to dedicate todays post to the new season for toddlers at Gap. I am not sponsored by Gap and these are my own choices. I do find that many of Little L’s staples come from here and that the clothes really hold up well to a toddler lifestyle. Although I do not have a boy I have also included some of my likes in this seasons collection. So if you’re looking for items which wash well, are hard-wearing, modern, stylish, practical and age appropriate look no further than some of my top picks below!

Happy Viewing

Ta ta for now.

TLL x

Fall Gap Goodies for Toddlers

Boys Spooky eyes sleep set

Stripe cuffed pants

Fleece stripe sleep robe

Slim herringbone five-pocket pants

Sherpa mockneck cable sweater

City graphic tee

Warmest puffer vest

Denim mid – top sneakers

Chambray pleated romper

Fleece heart sleep robe

Floral quilted vest

City monument logo tee

Heart sleep one piece

Favorite eyelet socks

Sherpa boots

Peter Pan stripe tee

August 28, 2015 0 comment

Lifestyle Meal Planning Organizing Style

High Five Monday- things that make my life easier

by thelifestylelady July 20, 2015

It is Monday and we all need a little pick me up. It is the end of the weekend (they always go too fast – don’t they?) plus I always wake on a Monday never as well rested as I plan to be, even if I went to bed early enough. I blame this time trauma on always worrying about over sleeping, an issue I care less and less about as the week progresses ;0) So this week I thought I would write about five items which make my life easier and the LL is all in favor or those.

1. Steve Jobs – well more my iPhone… You are probably thinking BORING & OBVIOUS first choice, I would agree, although my phone has all these wonderful apps, bells and whistles designed to make my life super wonderful, but it is the video function I thank Steve Jobs for. The Apple crew have saved me many a tantrum by Little L. They have rescued this mummy from many a palm sweating – in a fact whole body sweating, heart palpitating – panic attack when I can whip out my phone like super-mama and offer a wide selection of Disney Jnr or PBS, which is often met with the words “Dan Dan” (but that is another blog post.) High five Apple thank you.

Lifesaver

2. My Simplified Planner by Emily Ley, this is pure and simply my Bible. I promise to blog about my Bible at a later date but this planner keeps me on the straight and narrow and that is no mean task. All Emily’s products are wonderful and this is the jewel in the crown. Since I had Little L my concentration and memory has not returned to what it was. Lucky me. Mr L tells me I am getting old, but I maintain (with my extensive medical qualifications) that it is hormone-related. So I find this planner is essential to remember who and where I am meant to be. High five Emily – thank you.

3. My Ringly – I hear you ask what? Yes this beautiful emerald cocktail ring (a gift from Mr L) flashes and vibrates on my finger when my phone is receiving a call, what’s app, email, or text. You can set it to alert you to whatever you want. I will blog more about this fab item but needless to say it has helped keep me connected, which can be difficult when you are running around after a toddler. High five Ringly- thank you.

4. Nespresso Machine – if the adverts with George Clooney have not driven you to try this, then I hope this blog post does. Now I mentioned in an earlier post that I didn’t drink coffee till I was thirty. Well, this machine has helped me make up for lost time. I will admit Mr L is something of a coffee expert, so it is down to him that we have this wonderful item. But, needless to say, it gives me many a high at the correct spot when I need it, and has saved this mummy from many an exhausted meltdown. It’s yummy! High five Nespresso – thank you.

5. Barrington – one thing that scared me about becoming a mummy was that I would lose all identity and never have time for myself. I have always tried to look presentable; that is not always the case but emphasis on the word “try”. I love a handbag/purse; my collection could have a blog of its own and when I got my first diaper bag I thought that’s it’s “collection over” and for the first twelve months that was the case. Now that Little L is a little bigger I am going back to my purses and was absolutely ecstatic when I found this company. Again, I will blog in more detail later on but, needless to say, these bags are roomy, stylish and able to carry everything mama and toddler need. Making my life so much easier in a stylish way – love that. High five Barrington – thank you.

Lifesaver

These items are not a definitive list; I have many more things that help, but these were a few. What makes your life easier? What do you love? Get in touch!

Happy Monday

Ta to for now

TLLx

July 20, 2015 2 comments