Life Lately

Last week was a busy one, filled with prepping and photo shoots before we headed to Wales for the boyfriend to do his Ironman (that's 2.4 miles swimming in the sea, a 112 mile bike ride up the hills and a 26.2 mile run...phew!). It was a fantastic weekend filled with incredibly inspiring people!

Piles of clothes for a photo shoot.

I styled a shoot with some of the contestants from Strictly Come Dancing and can't wait to see the results!

Shoes by Anya Hindmarch

I re-discovered these Anya Hindmarch shoes I purchased in a sample sale many, many moons ago. Check out the squatting granny on the front!

Signs supporting the Ironman in Tenby

On Friday we headed to Wales. The entire town of Tenby came out to show it's love and support for the Ironman. There was such a special atmosphere in the air, with banners all over town. This crafted one was my favourite.

Picture perfect Tenby

We were blown away with how picture perfect Tenby is. Tiny cobbled streets, miles and miles of golden beaches and brightly coloured houses. Just stunning!

Nerdy tourist shot

I couldn't help myself. Well I was beside the seaside!

Supporting the Ironman competitors doggie style!

Even the dogs got into the spirit of the Ironman!

The Ironmen all ready to start their challenge!

On the morning of the race we were treated to the most spectacular sunrise. The picture above shows the 2000+ participants about to begin the first leg of the race, the sea swim.

Go Norris Go!

And here is my Ironman! The brilliant boyfriend completed the challenge in 12 hours and 35 minutes. Here he is racing his first lap of the marathon, after completing the swim and bike, and he still had the energy to muster a smile!

Congratulations to all the competitors who took part in the Ironman and to all the support along the course. It really was a weekend we'll never forget and will always cherish.

Thank you Tenby.

Sx

It's Coat Time!

As I sit here writing this blog the sun is high in the sky and I'm wearing shorts. However now is the time to snap up your winter coat because believe me ladies, when the weather gets cold and grey the coat you want will be long gone, on the back of some savvy shopper who invested months ago.

Coat £2195 by Roksanda Ilincic at StyleBop.com

The above coat by Roksanda Ilincic is my dream coverup. Oversized, mid-calf length, and in 2 shades of blue it would keep me warm and cosy, but most importantly it would lift every out I wore it with. Sadly it's a bit out of my budget (a bit! Ha!) 

Here is my round up of key coat trends to buy this season for all budgets.

Mabel coat £595 by Shrimps

As I've mentioned previously fur is a massive trend for winter. One of my favourite brands, Shrimps, have created fun faux-fur coats in dreamy colour combinations.

Coat £69.99 by Zara

Alternatively Zara have this cute faux-fur jacket in a zingy yellow, perfect for brightening up a grey winter's day.

Rina blanket cape £2300 by The Row at net-a-porter.com

Next up the blanket/cape coat is a relaxed way to cover up on chilly days. Seen on the catwalks of many designers from Stella McCartney to Burberry Prorsum who monogrammed theirs, this divine cashmere grey blanket coverup by The Row is so decadent, but so classic you'll keep it and love wearing it for a lifetime.

Blanket cape £25 by ASOS

ASOS have taken inspiration from Chloe's lighter coloured version making this an ideal pieces for the transitional weather.

Coat £814.56 by Carven at FarFetch.com

One of my favourite shapes in fashion is the cocoon, be it in a dress or a coat. This curly textured wool coat in navy by Carven is incredible. I love the architectural collar and the raised pockets.

Coat £89 by Topshop

Topshop's cocoon coat is a great budget buy. It's in a textured wool mix fabric with popper fastenings and in a skin flattering olive tone.

Parka £790 by McQ Alexander McQueen at MATCHESFASHION.COM

If you don't own a parka you really should. It's a wardrobe staple, perfect for wearing on the weekend with jeans or for dressing down a mini dress with high heels on a night out. This version by McQueen Alexander McQueen has an arm pocket detail, fur trimmed hood and tartan lining.

Parka £175 by Whistles

Whistles' waxed cotton parka in black looks super cosy with it's fur lined hood. 

Camel Coat £1450 by Adam Lippes at Net-A-Porter.com

Another wardrobe staple is the tailored coat. It will elevate a daytime jeans look, work well with tailored separates and chic with a pencil skirt and shirt. This camel coat version by Adam Lippes is perfection, I especially like the boned cuff detail and the gold buttons.

Coat £139 by Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencers have a good range of coats, but be quick they are selling out fast. This tailored coat in navy by Autograph, with concealed buttons and wide lapel is the epitome of chic and a style you will wear for many seasons.  

Happy coat shopping!

Sx

Images: shrimps.co.uk, stylebop.com, Net-A-Porter.com, FarFetch.com, MatchesFashion.com, Zara, ASOS, Topshop, Whistles, Marks & Spencer

Happy In Ibiza

The boyfriend and I recently took a few days off to hang out in Ibiza. 

Flying over Ibiza

We chose to stay in the north of the island at a rustic B&B and hired a car so we could zoom around visiting all the gorgeous beaches.

Our pretty apartment

Cala Xucla is down a tiny dirt track but worth the bumpy ride. Only a few locals frequent this tiny sandy cover. The water is crystal clear but beware of the jelly fish, I got stung by one of those evil creatures on the last day and still have the scar!

Tranquil Cala Xucla

Beware the evil jelly fish lurking in the beautiful blue!

Platja Aiguas Blancas is a long stretch of beach with deep crystal clear waters. Down by the nudist section there's a mud pool with people lathering themselves in the goo.

Platja Aiguas Blancas

Las Salinas is a gorgeous long stretch of powdery sand with shallow waters near the beautiful salt lakes in the south of the island. There are 4 great bars on this beach, playing music and serving delicious food and cocktails. On Sunday there's a cute little hippy market around the pool of nearby Boutique Hostal Salinas.

Lovely Las Salinas

Our favourite beach was Benirras and we would head here most evening to watch the stunning sunset with a mojito in hand. The bongo players come out as the sun sets and people start applauding once the sun disappears. It's a special place.

Stunning sun set at Benirras

Of course I did some shopping while in Ibiza! To the side of Benirras beach is the boutique Deseo selling jewellery and beachwear. I picked up a gorgeous kaftan from here.

Tassels and neon, what's not to love!

Las Dalias hippy market on Saturday is worth the trip but it gets very busy so go in the morning. It sells everything from vintage kaftans, to local jewellery, to baskets, to adorable kids clothes to organic juice. 

Trinkets galore at Las Dalias market

The infamous Sluiz is an Ibiza institution. I was blown away by the range of quirky products on offer, the merchandising in store and the mojitos! From the moment you drive by and see the plastic cows grazing outside, then pull into the parking lot and decide to park in the "only gold diggers" space or the "only high heels" space, the store is incredibly stimulating. In a world dulled down by globalisation it was so refreshing to visit a shop selling such unique products. We picked up some bits for the home, but could have bought so much more. You must visit Sluiz, you really must!

Why wouldn't you want a massive plastic crocodile?

Shopping in Sluiz

And of course we went dancing until the sun came up. Glitterbox at Boom! was my favourite.

Glitter balls at Glitterbox

Shoes in hand after hours of dancing in heels.

And here is a little selection of what I wore on La Isla Blanca.

Dress Seed, Sun glasses Balenciaga, Sandals Topshop

Shirt Gap, Shorts and Sandals Topshop, Bag Labour & Wait,  Sunglasses Miu Miu

Dress vintage, Sunglasses Miu Miu

Dress Whistles, Sandals Kurt Geiger, Bag Marc by Marc Jacobs

Top Zara, Swishy Skirt H&M, Sandals Prada

Dress Mango, Bag Anya Hindmarch, Sandals Prada

Thank you for a great holiday Ibiza, we'll be back soooooooon!

Life Lately

Very early on Tuesday we arrived home from an amazing long weekend in Ibiza (post coming on Wednesday). The rest of the week was spent doing some last minute training for my first triathlon which I completed on Sunday, catching up on life laundry and prepping for some interesting work projects I have coming my way.

I like to think I practise what I preach on my blog and so I purchased the Acne Studios sweater I included in my New Season Lust List post. 

Sweater Acne Studios, Skirt Mango, Sandals Birkenstock

On Saturday we took a friend who is over from Australia to Broadway Market and resisted lots of delicious looking cakes (not good pre-race practise to guzzle lots of cake!)

Broadway Market

Sunday was all about the Redricks Lake Triathlon. This was my first triathlon and I was so pleased to finally do one. I was supposed to take part in the London Triathlon back in August but couldn't due to work commitments. I did the sprint distance of 700m swimming (in a lake with lots of pond weed, moor hens and swans!) 23.5km bike ride through lots of country lanes and 6km run through a forest.

Laying all my kit out the night before. Wetsuit Speedo, Tri Suit Orca, Trainers Saucony

The boyfriend was doing the Olympic distance at the same event, so it was good to have someone experienced to help with all my preparations.

Feeling nervous before the race

The swim was in Redricks Lake and unfortunately I completely freaked out when a person behind me started screaming and panicking when we set off. It was freezing cold and I couldn't catch my breath, so instead of swimming the entire thing front crawl I did the majority of it breaststroking. I am SO annoyed with myself. 

Redricks Lake, spot the swans

The bike ride and the run were really enjoyable and although I finished slower than I wanted to, it's spurred me on to do better next time. The boyfriend did incredibly well, coming 4th!!!

Post-race sweaty selfie. Tri Suit and Tri Belt Orca, 

Our dog lamp who gets to display the medals

And what better way to finish a race than with some celebratory chocolate!

Despite my disappointing swim I really enjoyed the race and have already started searching for my next challenge!

Have a great week!

Sx

In My Bag

I was so excited to do a little new season shopping last week. I prefer autumn clothes as I love the tones and textures. I managed to get a few basics to add to my wardrobe along with some new things for my home.

Skirt £59 COS

This navy skirt is in a thick cotton with front pleats and deep side pockets that create an interesting silhouette. I will be wearing mine now with a grey t-shirt or breton stripes and Birkenstocks and with tights, brogues and an oversized knit when the weather gets colder.

Shirt £34.95 Gap

Grey and navy and stripes! All my favourite things at once! I'll wear this shirt with some ripped up boyfriend jeans or tucked in a pair of tailored trousers, accessorized with a statement necklace.

Skirt £59.99 Mango

 I've been searching for a leather mini skirt for AGES and finally came across this ideal one in Mango. It's in buttery soft leather, short but not so short that I can't wear it with a chunky jumper during the day and it's very good value for money. I'm so happy with this purchase!

Plate £14 Holly Frean at Anthropologie

How cute are these plates? I like collecting individual crockery, I think it makes a dinner party or a solitary dinner more fun and these limited edition ones by Holly Frean from Anthropologie fit the bill. There are more designs to collect so I may have to pop back to store to add to my collection.

Tray £9.99 H&M Home

This bargain gold tray is from H&M's home department. If you haven't visited yet, you NEED to. Filled with inexpensive, but well designed trinkets for the home I always end up buying something, be it a cushion cover or a candle holder. I originally purchased this tray to display my coffee table bits and bobs, but after dressing it with pillar candles it now sits proudly on my dinner table.