POST CHRISTMAS POST.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So this is really just a little quicky to say I hope you all had a fab Christmas. I planned to take a whole bunch if photos for a big Christmas day post, but alas I had a migraine Christmas day, probably due to the excitement of getting up at 6 to find 'he' had been!! So I spent most of the day drinking water and cuddling my Nan. Saying that, I managed to keep my headache at bay and still had a lovely day. As you may know, as well as starting my illustration business I also work in retail. Christmas in retail is silly. Although I was lucky enough to have 4 days off after Christmas eve, and I'm also luckier than one of my best friends is my supervisor, so she was with me powering though right up to the big day.

I'm just waffling now really... the gist of this post is I hope you had a nice time, and I did have a nice time.

Simples.

 

 

x









ASOS WINTER SALE PICKS.

Alpaca Longline Cardigan  | Suede Ankle Boots | High Neck Top | Longline Oversized Cardigan | Shoulder Bag With Wrapped Chain Handles  | Split Front Pencil Skirt | Virgos Lounge Vilma Dress | Faux Fur Scarf  

 

 

If you know me, or read my blog you will know that I am a HA-UGE Asos fan. So when my weary little eyes clapped sight of that big red 'Sale' banner on the website I was nearly a little bit sick with excitement. Saying that, being so near to Christmas I am lacking in funds to buy all the things I desire, so instead I have done the only other thing I know how to do... make a wish list.

I definitely that camel cardigan though!... and maybe the boots, and bag to...and scarf as well probably. I also really like the top.

 

 

 

Send help.

 

 

x

PARTY OUTFITS WITH GLAMOROUS.COM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faux Leather Pencil Skirt - c/o Glamorous.

Black Duster Coat - c/o Glamorous.

Cream Dipped Hem Top - c/o Glamorous.

Boots - Asos

Bag - Vero Moda

 

 

So I have teamed up with Glamorous.com to style some party wear from their fabulous selection. To  be honest, I am not one for 'party wear'. I am most comfortable in a pair of skinny jeans, an oversized tee and a boyfriend coat, even if I go out I tend to dress down rather than up. So this was a slight challenge, but they have so many lovely pieces to pick from, I ended up finding it easy. I opted for monochrome, as I always think it's quite chic... and teamed with red lips & nails to fit the season. and add a pop of colour I also threw a bit of leather in for good measure, and finished off with a black light weight duster. I actually have the Glamorous duster coats in black, cream & navy now, I just love them! I am keeping my eyes peeled for a stone colour when it comes to spring.

 

It's also worth mentioning the amazing competition that Glamorous are running at the moment.

Not only do they have 30% off everything with the code that you can find on the website here, but your order will come with a secret Santa gift, as mine did...

 

 

 

Your gift will come in this beautiful box (which I promptly Instagramed with excitement!)  & it will have a special card in with the details for you to enter to be in with a chance to win £500 to spend. Amazeballs.

I'd love to see your entries,& how you've styled your gifts, so please do send me your links!

 

... & if I don't speak to you before, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

 

 

x

DEAR SANTA...

Whistles Fedora | Etsy Marble Phone Case | Asos Sunnies | Chanel Chance Perfume | Miu Miu Purse | Topshop Striped Wool Duster Coat | For Love and Lemons 'Bat Your Lashes' Bra | Weekday Top | Anthropologie Monogram Mug | Frankie 2015 Journal

 

So this is going to sound like the queerest thing I've ever said, but when it comes to Christmas, believe it or not, I'm not that bothered about presents! I love Christmas shopping for other people, but most of all, I love all the simple things about Christmas. My brother arriving home, Mulled wine on Christmas eve, eating Christmas dinner with funny hats on, getting up an 6am to open my stocking (yes I do still do that), watching a random movie whilst nearly popping on Christmas night, & eating sticky toffee pudding with my cousins on boxing day are a few of my favourite things. However, we all know I love a good wish list. So this is my 'I wouldn't mind if any if these turned up in my stocking, but actually I don't mind either way' list. Catchy.

 

x

RIVER ISLAND PONY BOOTS.

River Island 'Pony Skin' Boots

H&M Wool Mix Coat

Vero Moda Wonder Denim Jeans

Topshop Crinkle Print High Neck Top

I just love these River Island boots!

They a bit more than I would normally spend on a boot, but I think they're absolutely worth it. They're such nice quality and fit, and have a good heel height for everyday. I'm a big fan of pony effect leather to, so when I saw these bad boys I had to order them. I would advise to go a size down if you're thinking of buying a pair, as i'm normally a 5/6 but the 6 were like flippers on me. They also come in burgundy if you're after something a bit different from black, which I would obviously buy to if I could have my way! 

Over & Out 

x 

NEW LOOK EMBELLISHED HEELS.

New Look @ Asos Embellished Heeled Sandals | Asos Check Trousers (Similar) | Zero Gravity Cosmic iPhone Case | Zara Oversized Crew Neck Sweater

I must admit, I am not a massive heels fan, I much prefer a small block heeled boot. I don't know if it's due to me being such a clumsy dumb ass, or if I generally don't like the look as much... (Probably the first one.) Also, I am not really a New Look shopper. So when I saw these beauties on Asos & found myself adding them to my basket, I was a bit surprised with myself. I'm even more surprised at the lovely quality & comfort of them! They're a real winner for me.

 When I wear them out this is the sort of thing I will wear them with. I very rarely wear heels with dresses, I don't really like to get my legs out so trousers are the best option for me. I like to dress slightly down if i'm wearing heeled sandals. 

So the moral of this story is buy these heels! For £27 you can't go wrong & I think they will be a good pair of shoes to pull out the wardrobe when all else fails!

x

WHAT I'VE BEEN UPTO.

Falling in love with boots | Illustrating my tribute to Oscar De La Renta | Finding this guilty please in H&M | Painting lace lingerie | Making friends | Eating way too many mince pies | Painting my nails festive reds | Saying goodbye to friends | Falling in love with heels

 

 

To catch up with me between posts you can follow me on Instagram @HELEN_HIRD

 

X

 



A HUG IN A COAT.

Vero Moda Faux Fur Coat | Vero Moda Joggers | Topshop Tee | Nike Trainers 

I have been a bit of a poorly pudding lately. It's been one thing after the other since October, & I even missed my work Christmas party this weekend. Bad times! So I have very much been going for comfort over style, in jersey joggers & oversized tees. I also dug out my favourite faux fur Vero Moda coat which is like a big hug in coat form. I think it's the warmest thing I own to, so it's pretty much my best friend at the moment. 

Hopefully I will be back on top form in time for Christmas!

x

PAY DAY WISH LIST.

Asos Retro Sunglasses

MAC 'Diva' Lipstick

Topahop Pearl Necklace

Fleur of England 'Berry Kiss' Bra

Zara T.shirt

Weekday Luna Dress

Zara Fury Coat

Zara Roll Top Bag

& Other Stories Tassel Loafers

x

MINK TRENCH.

Mink Oversized Trench Coat - c/o Glamorous.com

This coat might possibly be my new favourite possession. 

I've always loved mink, but it's so hard to find clothes in the perfect mink colour ... let alone a coat! I find it's always too lilac or too pink, so when I spotted this bad boy I fell a little bit in love. It's not only the colour I adore, the cut & fabric are so perfect. It has a really nice oversized fit, complete with storm flaps and turn up sleeves. It's also made of a really dense scuba-esque fabric, which is light enough to hang nicely but has a good quality weight to it, which I always love in a jacket. It also comes in grey which you can find here ... but lets face it, the mink tops even my beloved grey! 

I feel I might live in this coat this season. I can't wait to style it up really casually with washed denim, a baggy tee & boots to (which of course I will share with you).

Over & Out 

x

STATEMENT BAGS.

Aldo Beaded Box Clutch  | Asos Flower Beaded Clutch  | Shrimps Pablbo Clutch  | Asos Sequin Tassle Clutch  | Skinny Dip London Box | Aldo Champagne Bottle Bag  | Hannah Beth Fincham Mermaid Clutch  | Love Moschino Heart Clutch  | River Island Tassle Box  | Topshop Marabou Feather Bag

I get very excited about the festive season (some might argue too excited), which for me starts dead on 1st October. I'm afraid to say, I am one of those annoying people that likes to listen to band aid and drink mulled wine when it's still 22 degrees out and we haven't changed to clocks yet. For some reason, every year this whirl wind of excitement sends me slightly back to my childhood. I get the urge to hand over my black Zara bucket bag, in favour of something that 12 year old me would have been proud to take to the school disco. This year, my yule tide hysteria is presenting itself in bag form. I just can't get enough of embellishment sequins and faux fur. 

If the mermaid clutch in the middle has caught your eye, you must check out the rest of London designer Hannah Beth Fincham's mermaid collection. Cara Delivigne is among those in her mermaid club and she also creates hand customized pieces including an insanely beautiful range of leather and denim jackets. You'll thank me for introducing you!

x

ZARA RIBBED KNITTED TROUSERS.

Zara Ribbed Knitted Trousers  | Missguided Kimberley Coat  | Topshop Sweater | Topshop 'Captain' Trainers

I remember seeing these ribbed jogger style trousers a while back in Zara, then they went out of stock & I really regretted not buying a pair. So the other day when I was doing a naughty bit of online shopping, & I saw they were back in stock, I had to nab a pair. They have several colours, & I very nearly went for grey... but 99.9% of my wardrobe is grey, so I thought i'd push the boat out and go for Navy. Shocking. I am kind of thinking of getting another pair though. They're just so comfy, and I love the high waist and tight ankles. A good Autumn/Winter investment piece I would say!

x

SECRET SANTA.

Barry M Nail Art Pen  | Asos Faux Pearl Ring | Lush Luxury Pud Bath Bomb  | Lush Phoenix Rising Bath Bomb | Asos Pom Pom Keyring | Asos Folklore Mug  | H&M Notebook | Topshop Nail Varnish in Arabesque  | Topshop Glitter Oyster card Holder  | Matalan Reindeer Slipper Socks | H&M Narrow Belt | 'Ohh Deer' Mean Girls Pencils  

'The Little Book Of Fashion' Christian Dior  | Mille Mackintosh Lashes in Shoreditch | Topshop Coin Necklace | Topshop Lipstick in Black Widow | River Island Pom Pom Keyring  | Urban Outfitters Mug  | Topshop Caviar Make up Bag  | Lush Brazened Honey Face Mask  | Ciate nail Polish in 'Dangerous Affair'

Alexa Chung 'IT' | Gucci Buckle Necklace at 'House Of Midas'  | Topshop Sleep Tee | MAC Lipstick In 'Rebel' | Asos iPad Case | Chanel La Vernis Nail Polish in 'Accessoire'  | Asos Rainbow Faux Fur Bag Charm | Zara Faux Fur Clutch  | Vogue Subscription

So it's getting to that time of year again! I love Christmas shopping & all things festive, so I have popped together a little secret santa post for y'all.

These are all things I would absolutely love to receive myself, and i'm always really surprised about the lovely little bits you can get on the high street for under a fiver! How cute is that little H&M pom pom... I think it's something like £2.99 as well! 

I hope this gives you some nice little ideas of what to buy your secret santa this year... although I don't think making this post has really done me any favours, as I've pretty much convinced myself that I need nearly all of these things now! 

HAPPY SHOPPING!

x

ROLL NECKS & TOPKNOTS.

Vintage Jeans | H&M Roll Neck | Topshop Boyfriend Jacket | Topshop boots | Primark Belt

So this is just a quick little OOTD post.

 I haven't really brought anything new lately (I'm trying to be good!) so I haven't got anything overly exciting to show you. But I'll you what I am excited for... ROLL NECK SEASON! The best kind of season! I just love a good roll neck. I've never been one for low cut tops, I think if you're small chested then low cut, over sized hanging tops look really cool, but for me I just feel too exposed and not very chic at all... so the higher neck the better for me! I've also come to realise that most of my jeans have rips in, and my knees have been getting chilly. So I have rummaged round and found this vintage pair of jeans that I brought a while ago, for £1.50 may I add!

Over & out

x 

KIMBERLEY COAT.

Missguided Kimberley Premium Coat | H&M Jersey Top  | Vero Moda Jeans | Topshop Heels | Asos Sunnies 

I've been after a camel coat for ages! But after ordering & returning a few, or finding one I love that's about £1000 (I might be exaggerating slightly), I found this Missguided beauty. 

It ticks most of the boxes for me... It's a good length, has tailored shoulders (cocoon coats really don't suit me), it has a nice collar and is the perfect colour.

I must admit I haven't actually brought anything from Missguided for quite a while now, but i'm really impressed with how right they have got this and the quality of it. They're outerwear game is strong!

 I can finally call off the search! 

x

TRIANGL

I've been a fan of Triangl ever since I stumbled across the brand on Instagram a while ago. So I was absolutely chuffed when I had an email from the lovely Emma to see if I would like a set. Obviously I jumped at the chance, and I went for this 'Milly' cut in the colour 'Indiana Ice'.  When it arrived and I opened the amazing box (i'm a sucker for a nice bit of packaging!) it lived up to all my expectations. Everything about it is just perfect, from the fabric to the fit and all the details in between. 

 I'm a huge monochrome fan, but have always steered away from white swimwear in the fear of it going a bit see through in the water... Disaster! Although as Triangl's swimwear is made from a thick high quality neoprene, it's nice and thick. So I think I will be safe. 

Now I just need to get the winter out the way so I can wear this bad boy!

x