How little touches can up your style with Muru

Items in this blog post have been gifted, all thoughts and views my own

It’s not that often that I find myself perusing shop windows or my browser for jewellery. My saved tabs are heavily preoccupied with clothes for Alice and I, and the occasional gluten free recipe. So when a set of jewellery makes my head turn, I have to stop, take a bunch of pictures and write a blog post about it. Muru has been producing feel good jewellery since 2006. Their message is one of empowerment, meaning and expression which is probably why I was so drawn to their pieces. Over the course of a very intense month, I paired a selection of Muru items with my outfits just to show you how little touches can up your style.

This is the Belle and Bunty Unity Necklace in gold. I had the pleasure of meeting the gorgeous blogger duo last year as we were invited to the same Henley Regatta event with Debenhams. I knew instantly that they were genuine and such talented ladies, so it was not surprising to see that they had released a collection with Muru. “Our unity necklace in gold vermeil can we worn to remind us that when we stand in unison with those around us, we gain the courage and strength to face anything. With hanging drop charms this necklace will capture the light perfectly giving you an effortlessly chic look.”

Unity Gold Necklace: £75

Below is the Mother and Child Bracelet in gold. I simply adore this elegant design with the two stars bonded together. Being a mum has no doubt changed my life, yet wearing this piece shows me that my style is still the same even with a mini me attached to my side most days. I wore the bracelet and necklace to a Welsh wedding in late August. The gardens were the perfect place to take some close up shots of the jewellery and I had so many comments about them during the day.

The third piece is a simple Bead Anklet in gold. There’s something about wearing an anklet that makes me feel like I’m escaping on holiday. With this beautiful, golden piece wrapped around my ankle I feel like I can wear anything, go anywhere and be anything. I decided to dress down with the anklet in a loungewear set and basket trainers. A little touch of glam can really uplift your wardrobe choices, and I am definitely investing in this advice from now on.

Bead Anklet: £35

I just had to add this collection into my post as it is officially my birthday month! Muru have a stunning range of star sign pieces that you must see. Whether you’re into gold, rose gold or silver, the star sign collection scintillates just like the real stars!

Saharasplash x

AD|Being a blogger without a photographer

*Items featured in this blog post have been gifted, all thoughts and views my own

As the world produces an ever increasing amount of bloggers every day, the endeavours to generate engaging and top-quality content become that much harder. Take it from a blogger that started almost five years ago and still going, a blogger must go through great lengths to get the shot, even if they have no help. Although I am lucky to have a husband that doesn’t complain when I ask him to hold off taking a bite of dessert or to do the same shot again but from a lower angle, during the week I find myself rooting around the house to find a good place to prop my camera up and set it on the timer. Being a blogger without a photographer to help does have its limitations, nevertheless I find that when I am forced to be my own ‘tog’, I can create my best work. Last week I planned to shoot a few looks once Paul got back home from work, but alas the boy hadn’t left as I found myself dressed, makeup/hair done, child asleep and ready to shoot. So I pulled my softbox into the living room, used Alice’s high chair and a toilet roll as a functioning tripod and got to it! 

Look one: Green Camouflage Utility Playsuit

Femmeluxefinery.co.uk
Green Camouflage Utility Playsuit: Femme Luxe Finery
Orange Buckle Belt: e.buckled

This green camo playsuit is like nothing I own, which is saying something! I have always looked at other playsuits but nothing ever quite called out to be the way this one did, and so when it came it was the first thing I wanted to try on from Femme Luxe. Matching it with one of my sister’s hand-made orange buckle belts (e.buckled) and some suede khaki block heels I hit the self timer button on my Huawei P30 Pro! I learnt the ‘flamingo leg’ trick from Kendal Jenner and was so pleased to find this shot in my camera roll amongst other dubious attempts at posing. I used the free photoshop app to add a little more saturation plus a light flare et voila. Would you have guessed this was a self-taken phone shot?? 

Look two: Black Chain Print Belted Satin Shirt Dress

Femmeluxefinery.co.uk
Black Chain Print Belted Satin Shirt Dress: Femme Luxe Finery
Croc Print Ankle Boots: Topshop
Femmeluxefinery.co.uk

A satin shirt dress will always have me hitting add to favourites, especially one with such a gorgeous print as this one. This chain print shirt dress was second on my shoot list, so I shifted my softbox to the sofa and decided to set up again. I do actually own a tripod with a phone holder, so this time I used it as the shot required was from a lower angle. I find this type of self-timer shot easier from a seated position, I can just lean forwards rather than running back to find my spot again if standing up. I left my makeup be, but tried out a space bun look on my hair which actually ended up being awesome so will absolutely try this hairstyle again soon. Heading back to the outfit, I chose a pair of croc-effect ankle boots from Topshop that I salvaged from a charity box from my mum’s garage recently. I experimented having my feet up on the sofa vs on the floor, and landed this half-up, half-down shot that ended up being one of my favourites. 

Look three: Red Satin Cowl Neck Bodycon Midi Dress

Paul made it home just as I was ready with the third look of the night- a sultry satin red dress. I couldn’t help laugh as I opened the door to him wearing this. Any other man would have thought that he had missed an anniversary, but Paul understood straight away this was not for his benefit. He did mention he liked my space buns though! So…the red dress… I was a bit dubious adding this one to my order. It was one of those items you see on the model looking amazing and you think to yourself, this is never going to look as good on me. But actually, I was feeling all kinds of Jessica Rabbit in this number. It fit so nicely, every curve flatteringly accentuated and the ruches were in the right place to hold it all together. I must admit I had trouble doing up the corset-style back, but tonight I was on my own as Paul was getting his dinner so I sucked it up and carried on. I found one of my favourite pairs of earrings (hand-painted, clay flowers to look like the ruffled tulip from the New Moon book cover) and paired the look with patent red heels and a white Dior bag.  

Look four: Mid Wash Denim Button Down Dress

Look four happened the day after – three looks in one night was enough for me! The day in question was going to be 32 degrees if we stayed put, so I opened my weather app and found a much cooler, coastal spot to visit where it was only going to reach 26 degrees, and that place was Clacton-On-Sea. The drive only took us an hour and fifteen, and I knew that Alice would love a trip to the beach. I packed up her things as well as my own and we made it there just after lunch. We had fish and chips (gluten free) at Armstrongs – I’d been there before and was really impressed with the food – and after a play on the amusements we headed for the sand. The day was beautiful, we found a spot to set up camp about fifty feet from the pier. Children were playing, parents were sunbathing and Alice was totally content with an empty jar to collect sand and shells in. I set up my camera, this time perched on top of Alice’s changing bag on a rock, and I took these shots. I paired my denim blue dress with this stunning orbis lapis ring (gifted from Sacet jewellery). This next photo essentially epitomises my role as mother and self-employed blogger, rolling them both into one in perfect harmony- well, most of the time!

www.sacet.com

So, for any blogger out there who is just starting out or has been in the game as long as I have and worries when having to go it alone, the truth is that most of us are and you wouldn’t even know it. The real truth is that people don’t admit what goes on behind or in front of their cameras enough and I want to tell it how it really is day to day. Being a blogger without a photographer is quite alright – we are resourceful, creative and bloody proud of our hard work. 

Saharasplash x 

AD| Two killer outfits for a summer wedding with Goddiva

Whether you’re a Katherine Heigl and trying on 21 dresses or you’re getting hitched yourself, wedding bells are in the air as the summer season is here. I have two weddings to go to over the course of July and August which I am super excited about, however this brings the dilemma of outfit choice. There are several rules when attending a wedding such as don’t wear white, but I also want to wear something that is long-lasting, dance-capable and just killer. So, I’m here to share with you two of my killer outfits for a summer wedding with Goddiva. 

Goddiva is the perfect choice for a wedding outfit as they specialise in luxury, affordable wedding attire. They even have a section for mother of the bride, and have recently launched a collaboration with Vicky Pattison. I have two dresses to show you from the VP collection which are just stunning, so without further ado… 

Outfit 1: Burnt Orange Beauty 

The first dress is a halter neck maxi dress in my favourite shade of orange.

This dress is great for summer weddings, and as the evening draws in you can pair with a neutral jacket to cover up. If you want to rule the dance floor, go for a dress with a side split so you can move and shake the night away.

I have two bags with this dress, a yellow and a neutral so you can get creative with how you accesorize.

Outfit 2: Lime Green Goddess 

I’m sure you’ve seen that lime green is all the rage this season, so why not go for something that you have never dared to try before?

I was so surprised at how much I loved this colour and one-shoulder, asymmetric effect. The one way you can dress this down a bit is by using dark accesories and some shades to make it slightly more edgy.

The only decision I have to make now is which dress for which wedding! Shop the Vicky Pattison Goddiva collection here

Saharasplash x 

Thanks for stopping by. Before you go I have a post all about money saving tips and ideas for summer, so if you are looking for a dress on a budget then definitely check this one out!  

Press Samples gifted in this post. All thoughts and views my own

Style Feature: four bold looks this spring

If there’s one thing you want to do to stand out this season, it’s definitely stay away from florals. Florals in Spring, although are quite lovely, don’t make as big of an impact as you might want for a special event or wedding invitation. So here’s why I’ve written a handy style feature: four bold looks this Spring. I’ve chosen four outfits and matched them to a pair of shoes and bag so you are all set to go. Take a look at the quartet below and I’ll go through what I’ve picked out to help create a fierce, confident outfit…

Outfit 1: In the Navy

I just love matching a cobalt blue with neon yellow or lime. You will be seeing a lot of neons this year all the way through to the end of summer, so get ahead of the trend and start wearing it in Spring. There’s just something about the right sort of party shoes when pairing with a cropped jumpsuit. And if you get a bag to match too, the whole thing just sings.

Playsuit: I Saw It First
Shoes: Quiz Clothing
Bag: Boohoo

Outfit 2: Spilled Vino

If there’s one pattern that goes well with a dark red it’s leoprd print. Having said that, you want to make sure it’s a subtle leopard print or it might be too over the top. I’ve found these heels from Quiz Clothing that gives a flair of your inner spirit animal each time you step, plus I’ve chosen an on trend box bag to go with it.

Pantsuit: I Saw It First
Shoes: Quiz Clothing
Bag: Shein

Outfit 3: Dotty Girl

I’m starting to think I have a thing about polka dots. I wore a polka dot dress to my graduation ceremony, for my baby shower and also a lot while I was pregnant. Dots are classic and will never disappear from the high street, so why not be bold with a dotty print? I’ve matched this outfit with a textured, pearlised heel and bag for a stand out effect you can count on.

Pantsuit: I Saw It First
Shoes: Quiz Clothing
Bag: Femme Luxe Finery

Outfit 4: Sasspot

I often call my daughter Alice a sasspot these days, and although she hasn’t quite hit 18 months, I can definitely imagine her rocking this look when she’s 18 years! I found this dress in H&M just after Christmas and I’m just waiting for the right event to make its debut. I had some help picking out these accessories from my sister, who is obsessed with transparent attire at the moment. Are you brave enough to expose the contents of your bag? If yes, this outfit is for you.

Dress: H&M
Shoes: Quiz Clothing
Bag: Missguided

So there you have my style feature: four bold looks this Spring. Which one caught your eye the most? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll share your answers on my social media.

Saharasplash x

Thanks for stopping by- make sure to find my blog post featuring entertainment from the U.K. Pleasure Boys before you go!

This is a sponsored post, all thoughts and views my own.

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A seasonal shift in style

When the leaves start falling and the weather reaches single digits, you know a change is coming for your wardrobe. Whether you’re a smart dresser, a casual babe or somewhere inbetween like me, a new season is a great excuse for a good old look in those drawers to get yourself prepared and warm. Today’s post features several brands which I’ve never blogged about before. A seasonal shift in style is coming your way in three, two, one…

The houndstooth print is a failsafe from September to December, especially when it’s in the form of a darling, high-waisted miniskirt. My collection of Karen Millen cardigans are the perfect length for this look, and no doubt I will be trying them all with this skirt from Unique 21.

My buckle belt is a brand new addition from my sister’s belt biz @e.buckled and this just completes my first seasonal style look.

Look two is a grungy/urban street vibe, and yes the leopard print is out in full force! I’ve paired these lightweight palazzo trousers from Unique 21 with an amazing lace bodysuit from Catwalk Clothing and some black tights to beat the morning chill. The burgundy sketchers add a colourful pop along with a dark lip and some beautiful lashes courtesy of KISS products.

I chose to adorn a suede effect satchel bag to add a bit more swag and a leopard print hair clip to tie the whole getup together.

My final look to honour a seasonal shift in style is more of a night time glam look. I’ve got the same beautiful lace on top but switched the bottom up to a glitzy skirt from Minnie’s Boutique and snakeskin accessories.

Even though my style may change from day to day and season to season, my love of fashion still sticks around. A huge thanks to Catwalk Clothing and Unique 21 for helping bring this blog post to life.

Saharasplash x

If a seasonal shift in style has left you wanting more, head over to read all about an exclusive launch party with Pandora Jewellery and Mabel.

PR Samples included

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Fantastic services saves the day

I’m sure I’m not the first to admit it on the internet, but being a mum is so damn time consuming! All the to-do lists I make at the start of a new week pretty much looks the same by the end of the week, that’s if I haven’t lost it under a pile of Alice’s washing. So you can understand, things start to fall down the priority list pretty quickly, especially household chores that involve a bit of hard work. This is where Fantastic Services saves the day, and boy did they deliver.

In case you’re in the dark about who Fantastic Services are and what they do, here’s a little info..

Fantastic Services (a domestic services provider) all began in 2009 with a meeting of two like-minded individuals, company founders Rune Sovndahl and Anton Skarlatov. They saw a gap in the market, combined their knowledge and expertise to create a marvellous business that now completes around 40,000 services each month! Serving London, South East and North West England, they really are a dream team that come to your rescue when you need it most- be it an oven clean or an end of tenancy blitz.

Now, try not to judge the oven in the ‘before’ pics… I know it was bad. But if you’re like me and just can’t stop watching those satisfying YouTube videos where random objects get cleaned up, you’re going to love this post!

So below you see a very dirty looking oven. This is a standard, conventional fan oven that clearly had seen better days, weeks and years!

The trays had become incredibly stained and we just couldn’t even begin to tackle cleaning it ourselves.

Our knight in shiny vehicle arrives!

The expert cleaners know how to do the best job without leaving a mess behind.

You aren’t ready for these results…

It was so shiny I had to take a selfie in my oven door! Clean and shining bright as if it were brand new again.

Fantastic Services kindly fitted us a brand new oven light too as ours didn’t work.

I’ve taken the liberty of merging the before and after side by side so you can really see the hard work and amazing service we received.

Someone was thrilled to take a peak inside our beautiful oven- and the best thing is you can use it straight away, no chemicals or smells left behind.

If you need to hire Fantastic Services for your oven cleaning, gardening or removal needs, head to their main website here.

Saharasplash x

Next up, how about a wardrobe refresh? Read my transitional style story blog post before you go!

Disclaimer: We received our cleaning service in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts my own. 

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