Masters Of Sex : Style Inspiration

1 H&M Angora Cardigan  /  2 Warehouse Skirt  /  3 M&S Shoes  /  4 Zara Bag

I love my historical dramas and I'm by no means fussy as to what period in time they portray.  My current weekly portion of the late 1950s is served up by Masters of Sex (Tuesdays at 9pm, Channel 4).  The series is based on the biography of William Masters and Virginia Johnson - an American gynecologist and his assistant, whose pioneering research explored the human sexual response.

Virginia is by far my favourite character.  She's a forward-thinking, independent and determined woman.  Her costumes set her apart from the other female characters as her outfits often have an androgynous edge.  She's the perfect inspiration for workwear with a vintage twist!  I adore that Angora cardigan, and can imagine that's really easy to throw on with different outfits.  If forest green isn't your colour - it's also available in black!

Is your wardrobe inspired by TV characters?

What's Made Me Happy #3

A rainbow of tomatoes  /  Cheering up the garden

#todayisscaryselfies  /  Preparing for Halloween with Access All ASOS

My tomato plants started to look a little worse for wear a couple of weeks back.  I picked the remaining fruit and left them on the kitchen windowsill to ripen.  They've been ripening at different stages and there's all sorts of bright colours  - they almost look like sweets!  I've also planted up a pot with some new plants and placed it where I can see it from the kitchen window.  The bright pink cyclamen are putting a smile on my face while I do the washing up!

I was so excited to find out I'd been made an ASOS Insider last week.  I've been loving getting involved in their Halloween activities!   I may or may not have been wearing my bat glasses round the house while singing This Is Halloween to myself...

Green People Age Defy+ Organic Skincare

Age Defy+ 24 Hour Brightening Moisturiser 30ml* /  Age Defy+ Hydrate & Renew Serum 5ml*
Age Defy+ Line Eraser Lip & Eye 5ml* (full size)

This week, I've started planning which gifts to give family and friends for Christmas.  I like to plan ahead and get it over and done with so that I miss the crowds of Christmas shoppers on the hectic last few weekends before the big day. 

Personally, I find it quite challenging when it comes to getting something for my Mum.  I usually end up gifting her something mundane that she's asked for out of necessity - last year's silicone whisk that made it into her stocking is a good example.  Although she was all smiles as she ripped open the paper and is regularly whisking away in the kitchen, I think Christmas should be about treating those we care about and making them feel special.  So I've decided to try harder this year...

Over the past year, Mum's been sneaking into my room to trying out different beauty products.  She's not one to splash out on them herself though and she certainly doesn't coo over the skincare aisle in Boots as much as I do.  However, her covert attempts at dipping into my skincare stash have given me a few gift ideas. It also turns out that her Christmas came a little early, as she was asked to try out some products from Green People's new Age Defy+ range*.

Age Defy+ is targeted at women over 35 and promises to firm and brighten the skin.  The key active ingredients in the range are sea holly stem cells, argan seed extract and baicalin.  All three work together to ensure that skin is hydrated, firmed and it's elasticity is improved. 

So how did Mum get on with the products?  After using them for two weeks, I've noticed that her skin looks plump and fresh.  Her favourite was the 24 Hour Brightening*moisturiser.  This works by using pineapple and bamboo stem extracts to help lift away and release dead skin cells.  She really likes that all three are non-greasy and keep her skin hydrated throughout the day. 

I know that this range is a winner as all three are still out in pride of place on Mum's bedside table.  Most items get put in a drawer and are forgotten about after a few uses!  Green People even do stocking-sized 'try me' versions if you've been tempted to treat your mum this Christmas!

Innocent's #bigknit for Age UK

For the past few years, Innocent smoothies have teamed up with Age UK to raise money to help older people keep safe and warm during the winter.  Anyone can knit or crochet a cute little hat, these get sent to Innocent's HQ and in November they'll be paired with a bottle of smoothie and on sale in major retailers.  For each behatted bottle sold, 25p is donated to Age UK.

My crafty weapon of choice is the crochet hook and I managed to whip up these in a couple of hours.  Whether you're a beginner or a wizard with a pair of knitting needles, there's still a couple of weeks to send in your wooly efforts.  The deadline for sending in your hats has been extended until 31st October.  You don't need to be an expert either - Innocent have a range of patterns for different skill levels for you to have a go at. 

Will you be making a hat to send in?  Or will you be waiting to snap one up when they hit the shops?

Fossil Sydney Zip Clutch from Bagable

I like to keep organised when I’m out and about.  Fossil’s classically chic Sydney Zip Clutch*, from Bagable, is perfect popping in my bag and keeping my cash, cards and piles of receipts safe and sound.  There are plenty of card slots and compartments to keep all my bits and bobs nice and tidy.  It’s the perfect sized purse for me and fits like a dream in my trusty vintage bag.

The camel leather and gold stamped detail makes this purse feel luxurious and a bit special.  I chose this simple but timeless design as I know it will last me a while.  I love that there’s a splash of bright colour when you open it up – all the other colours options have contrasting cotton twill linings too.

Among other brands such as Kipling and Nica, Bagable stock more of Fossil’s sophisticated Sydney collection.  I love that you can mix and match the different bags and purses to create your own personalised look.  FYI, Father Christmas - I’ve got my eye on the Sydney Satchel Handbag!

September Favourites

L'OREAL EVER RICHE CONDITIONER
I've heard a lot about the L'Oreal No Sulphates range on the blogosphere and decided to give the Ever Riche conditioner a go.  The Ever Riche range is for very dry hair and I can honestly say that my hair has changed for the better.  It's so easy to manage now and my ends look nourished and shiny!  The effects of the conditioner seem to last until my next wash.  I've been won over by this conditioner.

BODY SHOP VITAMIN E MOISTURE CREAM
As it's started to get colder, I've felt my skin changing and becoming dry at times.  I stopped using this cream over the summer as it was a little heavy for my oily skin.  However, I've been using the Vitamin E Moisture Cream every other day to combat the dryness I've been experiencing.  My skin certainly feels a lot more hydrated after adding back into my skincare routine.

MAC EYESHADOW IN CRANBERRY
I've wanted to add Cranberry to my MAC palette for a.g.e.s!  During one of the #bblogger chats at the beginning of the month Hannah from Cagney and Lace mentioned that she was selling it her blog sale and I immediately snapped it up!  I've loved using it to add depth to a plum smoky eye and also as liner with Twinks.  It's such a great shade for autumn and I'm so glad I finally managed to get my hands on it!