Everything you NEED to know about Black Friday

Attention all shopaholics, Black Friday is back!

For those of you that don’t know, Black Friday is the wedding day of the retail calendar. It’s one of the best days in the year to grab yourself a bargain and treat yourself to something that you’ve resisted buying all year round. So whilst Black Friday technically starts today, some retailers started offloading their bargains yesterday afternoon. Keen!

What once started as a one-day event in the US, is now a 4 or 5 day event across a large part of the globe. The day spread across the shores as the prices dropped, and you don’t even have to venture out of the house if you don’t want to – get your bargains online, right in time for Christmas!

The best thing about this year is that Black Friday 2014 is set to be bigger than ever before and, potentially, bigger than those Boxing Day sales that we LOVE. Its officially kick-starting the frantic online Christmas shopping season and I, for one, cannot wait. So before you’re named the fool, here are just a few of the one-off discounts that you could get your hands on over the next few days. Stand by for bargains!

Is 50% too tempting?

Topshop are offering up to 50% off selected lines. In other words, they’re not brave enough to take the big leap and discount all of their products, they’ve just chosen a select few. Jewellery, winter boots and fluffy knits seem to be the dominant garments for one of our favourite stores.

ASOS have taken the plunge with a 20% discount on EVERYTHING! Sounds great, right? But it doesn’t stop there. ASOS are feeling generous enough to continue their sale through until Tuesday. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab your hands on a trendy bargain for Christmas.

Boohoo are staying fairly neutral, with a 30% of everything. However, we know that we can always count on an online favourite for a little added extra – free delivery! There is nothing more frustrating than paying for item delivery. As if we haven’t paid enough already for what we’re purchasing, they have the cheek to add on another week’s wages in delivery. Scandalous. But not today!

Missguided might have a number of discount days throughout the year, but you certainly cannot say no to another 20% off. The increasingly popular online retailer are helping you out with discounts across all departments. Maybe its time for a new dress for the party season? Or maybe you just fancy another festive jumper? I know I do!

Can you resist Black Friday?

Miss Selfridge are teasing us with a juicy 50% off (well, up to 50)! If its a store that you might choose to bypass if you’re short of a penny or two, then now is a great chance to land yourself a treat. Maybe you fancy something more sophisticated? Or something to dazzle in at the work Christmas do? Go on, go for it.

River Island are offering another 20% off in store and online. You’ve got to be clock watching with this one though, from 11am-3pm only. We can always rely on River Island if we’re in need of a new jacket or coat, so don’t hold back this Black Friday!

Stand by for those bargains as the Boxing Day sales have come early this year. Comment below with any juicy deals that you manage to get your hands on – Happy shopping!

The Party Season is back!

The Christmas party season is the highlight of any woman’s calendar. Its the time of year where we get to dress up, make up and just feel fabulous in so many ways! With glamour being the most important ingredient, take a look at some of these show-stoppers that are currently on the high street and waiting for you to take a twirl.

Topshop are teasing us with these sparkly numbers this year and quite rightly too. A Christmas party is the perfect time to sport a frock bursting with sequins, ensuring you shine all night long. It’s all about going to town with the glitz and glamour and often accompanied with a bright, block colour lipstick – usually a shade of red – keeping it festive!

Topshop, £68

Topshop, £34

Topshop, £68

River Island is the place to visit if you’re a sucker for a LBD. From bodycons, to shift dresses, to a slinky midi, they’re all available for an affordable high street price. Flaunt that figure that you’ve worked all year for, and feel radiant in a classic design. Less is more when it comes to these winter treasures.

River Island, £45

River Island, £38

River Island, £38

If you find winter colours a little too harsh and sombre, then luckily New Look have launched a gorgeous range of lacey frocks for the party season. Pastels, two-tones and dresses that bring a more sophisticated approach to the party. Keep your make-up sweet and not too OTT for a truly feminine look.

New Look, £29.99

New Look, £30

New Look, £37.99

And its over to Miss Selfridge for the other set of sophisticated Christmassy frocks. For one of our leading high street stores, its all about the embellished dresses this year. Wintery shades mixed with beads and sequins is the way to get a few heads turning as you arrive in style. The figure-hugging collection are there to show off your best bits and help you party in style.

Miss Selfridge, £99

Miss Selfridge, £99

Miss Selfridge, £99

So now is your chance to dial up the glamour in whatever way suits you best. Whether its a slinky, sequin number or a traditional LBD, you’ll be sure to have the best Christmas yet in one of these beauties. Ladies, its your time to shine and there may even be a convenient clipping of mistletoe above you if you choose the right one!

Christmas Gifts for the Kids

Now, we’ve had the men, we’ve had the women, so it would only be fair that we compile a list of what the kids are after this Christmas. Every year it’s “Mum, can I have this?” or “Dad, I want that!”, so make sure you’re up to date with the hottest presents this year to ensure that you’re child won’t be disappointed with Santa’s deliveries!

1. Monty the Penguin

We all know him from the award-winning John Lewis advert, but now is the chance to get even more warm and cosy this Christmas with a cuddle from their very own Monty the Penguin soft toy. Demand for these has been through the roof and the shelves are already looking very bare, so for £35 make sure you head on down to John Lewis to feast your eyes on the ever-expanding ‘Monty and Mable’ range.

2. Ice Skating Elsa Doll

It has been one of the most popular films of the year, and is continuing to score points in many family homes. I’m sure many of your young ones will be disappointed if they don’t have an ice skating Elsa waiting for them under the tree on Christmas Day. But you better get your skates on (pardon the pun) and show your face in Argos whilst these hot cakes are only £25.49. Christmas? Consider it sorted!

3. Zoomer Dalmation

Something predominantly for the boys here, and there’s no surprise considering the remote control, gadgetey looking creature that this is. Zoomer Dalmations are the new craze for this year and it’s largely what all the children are talking about in the school playground. Find yours at your nearest Tesco for a hefty £59.99 – you can always rely on your kids to break the bank!

4. Xbox One

As we all know, having one gaming console is never enough and if its not the most recent release then, well, you’ve got no chance. So this is why the Xbox One is sought after for many teens this Christmas. Next level gaming and brand new adventures to embark on, surely Santa wouldn’t let them down? (Oh, I forgot to mention the £349.99 price tag!)

5. DohVinci Style and Store Vanity Set

It’s every girl’s dream to have the perfect hair and make-up, and in order to acheive that, you need the perfect mirror to stare at yourself in. Cue DohVinci Style and Store Vanity Kit. This allows them to design and decorate their mirror in their own unique style. What’s more, they can even pair this up with a number of other DohVinci products that are within this year’s hottest range. Fabulous!  So for only £19.99 at Argos, don’t be a Scrooge this Christmas.

6. Kidizoom Smart Watch

Getting a new watch is exciting for anyone, never mind their age! And there’s no surprise that this has made into the Top 10 for this Christmas. With exciting new features, interactivities and games, your son or daughter will look the coolest kid on the block with this piece of arm candy! What’s more, the price isn’t too frightening either – £29.99 from Toys R Us – bargain!

7. Furby Boom

The new generation of Furby’s is hatching! They were always a winner on their first appearance, so it’s no wonder that the kids are after them again! With loads more content, interaction and colours, Furby’s are invading the shelves of many toy shops this festive season. They can even interact with their Furby using the Furby Boom app! Sounds great, right?! That’s right, collect them all at £39.99 each at The Entertainer!

8. Nerf Demolisher

This is where Nerf Wars get stepped up a level. Be prepared to be sabotaged whilst you’re preparing that turkey if one of these is waiting patiently under your Christmas tree. The Nerf Demolisher is the new member to the Nerf family and it’s at the top of a number of Christmas lists. If you’ve got kids that love to cause mischief, then this is one for them. 2-in-1 bullet blasters are priced at £33.99 from Smyths Toy Store.

9. My Friend Cayla

My friend Cayla is just like a real friend. You can talk to her, play games with her and get to know her like a part of your family. It would seem that the generation of Baby Annabelle is in the past since this chick has hit the town. Who needs real friends when they’ve got Cayla by their side?! She needs picking up from Argos for around £59.99 – sound good to you?

10. My Monopoly

My Monopoly is the most interactive Monopoly  board game to date. Set up a personalised account online and use this to create your own properties and places that appear on the board. It’s the fun and exciting evolution of board games, so get up to speed with the 21st century and get your hands on one of these. Come on, it’s an easy one to wrap!

So even if you’ve threatened Santa’s naughty list this year, or even if you have a child that wants everything, there must be something that you can surprise them with on Christmas Day. Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy one of these gifts and, well, that’s kind of the same thing!

Christmas Gifts for Him

Now, as much as the men might be useless at knowing what to buy us ladies, I think we can all admit that sometimes they are just as difficult. What do you buy a man that has everything?

Whether its your husband, boyfriend, Dad or brother, they always prove to be the most challenging to buy for. But have no fear, before the winter nights become too prevalent and you get to far in to your advent calendar, let me show you what the men are drooling over this Christmas.

1. Soundlink Bluetooth Speakers by Bose

Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speakers

The entire male population love to make sure that they have the most recent gadgets and up to date technology, so you could lend them a helping hand – after all, it is Christmas! These fresh Bluetooth speakers are fresh for 2014 and priced at £119.95 (£120 would be so much easier). So they can forget about needing cables and wires to listen to their music, instead they can carry this handy gadget anywhere they wish.

2. Brown Leather Wallet by Scotch and Soda

Scotch and Soda Leather Wallet

Now a wallet can be quite a standard present for a guy. No one ever knows what to get them, so a decent leather wallet (this one’s only £50!) will never go a miss. You want to make sure they are carrying their money in style when they’re taking you out for dinner, or on a shopping spree… or neither of the above! That sounds more like it!

3. Aquatouch Wet and Dry Electric Shaver by Phillips

Phillips Aquatouch Shaver

There is something about buying shavers that gets men all flustered and stressed. However this new gadget from Phillips could be the answer to all of their hairy troubles. For a start its wet and dry so its perfect for when they’re running late for work, as well as Sunday morning trims. But don’t be a fool and buy it from Phillips directly, get yourself down to Argos or John Lewis where you’ll find it for £39.99, as opposed to £100!

4. Desktop Mini Football Table by John Lewis

John Lewis Desktop Mini Table Football 

Its our trusty John Lewis again! But this time they’ve shown their lighter side with a desktop size table football. Amazing! Perfect for those guys who love novelty gifts and are partial to a laugh or two at Christmas time! Ideal for the office or even distracting the kids.. Go on, for £10 you can’t be a spoil sport, it’s Christmas!

5. Supersoft Dressing Gown by Next

Next Supersoft Dressing Gown

The man and his dressing gown, it’s the perfect combination. Its never something that they would buy themselves because (obviously) they have more important things to spend their money on. So why don’t you do them a favour this Christmas and ditch the old robe and replace it with one of these super cosy dressing gowns from Next for just £22. Ideal!

6. Boss Bottled Unlimited Eau de Toilette by Hugo Boss

Hugo Boss Bottled Unlimited Eau de Toilette

There is no denying that we all love that moment when you are walking down the street and you get a waft of someone that smells absolutely divine. Make that someone you know. Another new fragrance for this year is this from Hugo Boss. Its the perfect gift and a lot simpler to wrap than some of the kids toys! Priced at £54.40, treat them to an aftershave that will make them feel like they’re the boss.

7. Frosty Cable Knit Grey Jumper by John Lewis

Frosty Cable Knit Grey Jumper by John Lewis

Winter is not complete without a winter wooly here and there. So how about making sure their wardrobe is well stocked for the Christmas period. They’ve even named it ‘Frosty’. It must be the perfect Christmas gift! You’ll find them stocked in most high street shops but you can rely on John Lewis for this one. £49, too, That ‘aint bad.

8. Freshfeet socks by Marks and Spencer

M&S Freshfeet Socks (7 Pack)

Its no laughing matter. Socks are essential and, in fact, the perfect stocking filler. If you’re after a small gift, or a little novelty something to go alongside a present, then look no further than a pair (or two) of socks. You can find socks to fit the personality; serious ones, jokey ones, colourful ones, work ones. The list is endless. But these Freshfeet packs from M&S are only £12 and you’re getting a whole 7 pairs! Hopefully not a hole, but a whole 7 pairs!

9. Wax Cotton Messenger Bag by Barbour

Barbour Wax Cotton Messenger Bag

Man bags are all the range these days, so whether you are a fan or not, I’m sure you know a guy that is after one. They’re a great accompaniment to the briefcase that they carry to work. This will set you back £129, but for once, spice up their fashion sense with a satchel and then see how much they thank you later.

10. Red Check Lounge Pants by River Island

River Island Red Check Lounge Pants

The reds, the greens, the navys, the checks – they all have that Christmassy feel to them. And pyjamas are one of the most essential Christmas presents. Every year, to unwrap a fresh new pair of pyjamas is a cosy feeling in itself. So River Island are just one retailer stocking festive lounge-wear for the festive season. For £18 you can buy comfort and happiness through pyjamas. Sorted!

So if you’re one of those unlucky ladies that has to shop for men that have everything, or men that don’t want anything, hopefully this can give you a little inspiration and lighten the workload for Christmas shopping.

But we can’t forget about the kids. Coming soon is the last of the Christmas gift inspirations, ‘What the kids want for Christmas’!

Christmas Gifts for Her

It’s getting to that time of year again where the shops starting filling up, the Christmas songs have well and truly begun and the men are still sitting there wondering what all the panic is about! Typical.

Well Gents, this one is especially for you. For all those husbands, Dads, brothers and boyfriends who do not have a clue what to buy a female for Christmas, here is a list of the most sought after ‘gifts for her’ this festive season.

1. Rose Gold Styler by GHD

GHD Rose Gold Styler

In more simpler terms, a pair of hair straighteners. But not just any old hair straighteners. The limited edition range for this Christmas entices us with gorgeous, rose gold stylers; something that all the girls are dreaming of. Priced at £130, this is the perfect way to treat that lucky lady to beautiful, effortless hair everyday.

2. Fluff Flip Flop Slippers by UGG

UGG Fluff Flip Flop Slippers

No woman is complete without her pair of slippers, and it seems that this year these are the next best things. Fluffy flip flops are a perfect compromise for those who love their slippers but cannot stand the feeling of having hot feet. So if you’re unsure, for £60, whack these on the list and you sure will earn yourself some brownie points!

3. Baublelicious Tangle Teezer

The Baublelicious Tangle Teezer

If you’re looking for something small, or the perfect stocking filler, this is the answer to all your troubles. Tangle Teezers. No female is complete without one of these hairbrushes sent from heaven. Knots? What knots?! It might be that you only want something small to go alongside something else, so run on down to Boots and grab yourself one of these for £12.99. You can thank me later!

4. iPod Touch 5th Generation by Apple

Apple iPod Touch 5th Generation

Its something smart, and something so handy for the gym, for singing along to the cooking with, for your lunch breaks at work, its perfect and everyone needs one. Now I may be slightly stereotypical by showing this juicy gift in a pink colour, however there are a number of different shades so that you can choose the perfect present for a lucky lady. Pick one up from Argos, or other retailers for £179.99. Go on, it’s Christmas.

5. Scented Reed Diffuser by Ted Baker

Ted Baker ‘London’ Scented Reed Diffuser

This is something for all of those house-proud females. There is nothing that beats a house that is filled with a fresh scent and gorgeous aroma. So why not try and get something a little more special than your standard air fresheners from Tesco? Ted Baker’s Reed Diffuser range, priced at £35, are a classy way to freshen up your humble abode.

6. Fleece Lined Leather Gloves by John Lewis

John Lewis Leather Gloves

Now, anyone can go out and buy themselves a pair of gloves. What’s the big deal? Well, its not often that women will spend money on a ‘decent’ pair of gloves because, in the scheme of things, they are not the most necessary. So why not treat her to a gorgeous pair of leather gloves, with a fleece lining. Its a gift that is always greatly appreciated, but not always thought about. Get your fork out your turkey and into your wallet this Christmas. For only £22 you could be getting yourself solidly in those good books.

7. Fleece Onesie by NEXT

Next Fleece Onesie

Hear me out before you rule it off the list. They’re not just for the kids and the youngsters, they’re for anyone that wants one. Onesies have quickly become the newest and trendiest way to stay warm and cosy around the house (and sometimes in the streets!) so I’m sure, if you asked her, that she would be more than happy to receive something as cute and cuddly as this. NEXT have a gorgeous range of loungewear for this season, starting with this ‘Novelty All-In- One’ for just £32.

8. Daisy Dream Perfume by Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream

Its the most recent of the Marc Jacobs fragrance collection and its a popular one for this Christmas. Buy it on its own or buy it as a gift set, either way you can’t really go wrong with perfume. Every woman wants to smell dreamy every day of the year, so why not make Christmas that extra special. For a limited time only, Boots have this exact one for £62.50. Grab it while you can!

9. Kingswood Rose Make-Up Bag by Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston Make Up Bag

Fed up with make up spread all across the dressing table? Is there female domination when it comes to the mirror space? I have the answer. Get them one of these luxury cosmetics bags for Christmas and you will never see clutter again. Their iconic patterns make it clear that some time and effort has gone into this present, so for £16, why not?!

10. The Christmas Collection by Pandora

Pandora’s Christmas Collection

What better way to end than with a bit of sparkle! Add a bit of glitz to your gifts for her this Christmas and look no further than Pandora. Jewellery is always the safest card to play with women, and rightly so after browsing this collection! Charms for everyday, charms for Christmas, charms for birthdays, it really is a no brainer. But if you can’t even bring yourself to choose specific charms, this exact bracelet (with the charms included) is priced at an affordable £235. Now is your chance to earn that extra slice of Christmas pudding!

Sometimes all you need is a little inspiration, and if these top 10 cannot give you any form of guidance or help, then I really do feel sorry for the not-so-lucky lady at the receiving end of your Christmas presents!

Coming soon will be the sequel, ‘Christmas Gifts for Him’. So ladies, keep your eyes peeled!

Live the High Life

With the winter showing us some real chills, its time to take a high level approach to dressing this season. For some, knee high boots are always something that you’d expect your Mum to wear, or something that you’d have when you were a child buying your first pair of winter boots; but its time to put this behind you if you want to fit the trend this year.

New Look, £39.99

Missguided, £39.99

Topshop, £220

Boots are an essential part of winter and can easily become your best friend during the adverse weather conditions that we soon learn to experience. Soggy trainers in the rain? I don’t think so. Uggs in the snow? I don’t think so. Canvas pumps through the storms? I don’t think so, either. So with prices ranging from top to bottom, knee highs have invaded hundreds of high street stores to set you up for extended coverage and style.

Flat shoes are no fun and can make your legs look short and stumpy, but nobody can walk around in stilettos all day, every day; so boots are the perfect compromise. This year we have such a wide selection to choose from. Everything from plain black leather, to two-toned, to statement heels, they’re all out there waiting for you to explore.

River Island, £65

Office, £115

H&M, £34.99

It’s important to wear your knee highs with pride as, in our world today, its all about identity. Image is everything and being on trend is more of a priority than it has ever been. So whether you choose to wear tights and a cute day dress, or jeans and a oversized coat, either way boots will be the perfect accompaniment to your outfit for the winter season!

100 Years of Remembrance

Moments of silence, millions of red poppies and copious amounts of respect across the nation, all in aid of Remembrance Sunday. This year marks 100 years since the First World War and Britain have, today, honoured those brave citizens who have lost their lives whilst fighting for their country. It shows the sign of a true hero to be named as someone who took their life for the sake of their country and today they are remembered more than ever.

The biggest memorial for this year’s ceremony has been the presentation of 888,246 ceramic poppies at the iconic landmark, the Tower of London. Record breaking numbers of people have flurried to the tower to get a glimpse of the astonishing scenes that have been created. Fields upon fields of red, rows and rows of individually sculptured poppies spilling out of the tower. Mind blowing.

888,246 poppies lay in the famous moat of the Tower of London

Yesterday I took a trip to the Tower of London to get a first hand experience of what all the fuss was about. Whilst it took time to force my way to the front to every catch a glimpse of the ceramic masterpieces filling the tower’s famous moat, it was definitely worth the hustle and bustle. Photos will never do it justice. To think that an individual ceramic artist has spent the time and effort designing each and every flower to represent each and every civilian that lost their life during the First World War is just incredible.

The evolving installation of ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ has been such a success and so popular that it has been agreed to extend the viewing time until the end of November. Originally due to finish on November 11th, members of the public have expressed the demand for extended viewing, to which David Cameron eventually condoned.

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But whilst we sit, salute and remember all those who have fallen, there is someone that has not had enough recognition and praise; Paul Cummins. Who is Paul, you may ask? Paul Cummins is the artist behind the masterpiece. And it is due to his work and the help of stage designer, Tom Piper, that the centurion of the First World War has been celebrated in such a way.

And it isn’t only the Tower of London that have put on a show for the 100 years of remembrance, other famous landmarks have stepped up to remember the thousands of loved ones. Westminster Abbey displayed the ‘Westminster Field of Remembrance’, showing rows upon rows of crosses and poppies, each naming a separate hero. Wreaths have been laid at the iconic Cenotaph in remembrance of our brave civilians. People from all walks of life taken to the celebration of 100 years since the start of the First World War.

The Cenotaph

Westminster Garden of Remembrance

So more than anything, the photographs and colours that rush through the pictures say so much more than any words that can be written. We should be proud to wear a poppy and be proud to remember each and every man and woman that lost their lives fighting for our country.

#NeverForget

Advent calendars like you’ve never seen them before

Okay – first of all, don’t shoot me for mentioning the C-word already, but as it has passed bonfire and firework night, I felt that it was an acceptable time to start talking about Christmas. I mean, deep down I can tell you’re excited already and really there is only 24 days until that first door on your advent calendar can be opened. So what are you fretting about?!

Advent calendars are the first festive activity that we can officially get excited about, so what better time to talk about advent calendars. 2014 has well and truly outdone any advent calendars that you may have had in the past. We’re moving on to bigger, better, and definitely more expensive, things!

Beauty advent calendars are what everyone is talking about. Behind each door is something more delicious that chocolate. Nail varnish, hand creams, moisturisers, lip glosses; you really are in for a treat! Obviously these are predominantly aimed at women, but there is always something out there for the male audience, too. So don’t fret, I’m sure you can be fronted with something more than just a chocolate through the 24 days of Christmas build-up!

After searching the streets, as well as the web, for this year’s hottest buys, I came across what could easily be the top 10 beauty advent calendars of all time. Get ready.

Benefit Cosmetics £60

The ‘Candy-Coated Countdown’

The Benefit calendar is back for another year. This one has made appearances in previous years, but this season it is promised to be better than ever. ‘Candy-Coated Countdown’, I’m already excited. It’s packed with miniature versions of the brand’s best sellers and even a few beauty accessories, so you definitely won’t be short of a little bit of sass this Christmas period!

Tesco £50

Try something new at Tesco!

There’s a first for everything and this year it’s Tesco’s turn to jump on the band wagon with their very own beauty calendar. For one of the cheapest prices, you can receive a whopping £125 worth of essential goodies, every day throughout December. Nip+Fab, Tanya Burr, Katy Perry. You name it, they’re all in there. Dreamy!

Selfridges £85

Advent Calendars with a Story book theme

Obviously there had to be something a bit more upmarket, so Selfridges is always someone that you can rely on for a worthy buy. This year their advent calendar has been designed in the style of a story book – cute! The Enchanted Spells calendar has a range of magical spells and potions hidden behind each door. A selection of makeup, fragrances and top skincare products scouted from some of the top beauty brands. I hope you’ve been good this year because you can’t miss out on this one!

Ciate £49

The ‘Mini Mani Manor’

Nail freeks, get excited. This one is for you. Ciate have launched the ‘Mini Mani Manor’ for this season. Peel back each day to discover a ravishing new shade of the brand’s well-known polish. Textures, new-best sellers, glitter, they’ll all be there. There’s only one thing to say to Ciate. Nailed it!

Liberty £149

Liberty London inspired advent calendar

Release the inner Londoner within you. Liberty London have released the Rolls Royce of all advent calendars. With the front replicating the iconic London store, each gift is stowed away in it’s own draw. You can expect delightful treats from the likes of Nars, Dermologica, and Diptyque. Maybe Christmas came early this year!

Jo Malone £250

Dinky draws of beauty treats

Now, I might have to retract the Rolls Royce comment for Liberty because, if that is the case, then this is the Bentley! The priciest calendar on the market this season, but most probably the best ever. The brand has kept the Georgian townhouse theme, and is another one with cute little draws. Offerings of fragrances and skincare products, its really not a surprise that this would set you back £250.

The Body Shop £50

Give to charity with The Body Shop calendar

This one is another that has previously made an appearance around Christmas time. Jam-packed with some of the newest and most popular Body Shop products, make sure you get this one on your list of things to buy. Not only are you saving yourself pennies with what you receive, each calendar sold sees a donation given to the charity ‘War Child’, sending children to school in areas of conflict. You can’t say no now!

No7 £35

Unwrap 25 days of Christmas treats, courtesy of No7

No7 have done well to pull this one out of the bag. They certainly have done their research on other companies’ calendars as they’ve given their calendar 25 (yes – one for Christmas Day, too!) dinky doors with special treats for each and every day. Big sellers, including the Perfect and Protect Intense Day Cream, are an example of what you will found hidden in this beauty.

Elemis £59.50

12 days of Christmas beauty treats

Maybe you can’t justify a present to yourself.. but then again, maybe you can! This one is definitely a compromise with the 12 days of Christmas theme that is going on here. Pamper yourself with skin and beauty miniatures and make your New Year’s resolution to save money – good luck!

L’Occitane £45

L’Occitane’s culturally Chrismassy calendar

Now, time to end with something a bit more cultural (but still beautiful!), ’13 Pampering Treats from the Provence’. And before you start asking why there is 13, let me tell you. It is a holiday tradition to have 13 desserts on the festival table. So let this be your most chic way to celebrate Christmas and indulge yourself in L’Occitane loveliness.

The 21st century has well and truly moved on from traditional Christmassy pictures, so if beauty advent calendars are not something you have come across before, maybe this year is the time to give it a go!

Essential Winter Warmers for Bonfire Night

Remember, remember the 5th of November. Everyone knows the rhyme. But before heading out to the firework night in celebration of Guy Fawkes, there are a few other things that you should try to remember, and keeping warm is the predominant theme!

Winter wardrobes are so much more than a big coat and a knitted jumper. Remembering all of the accessories will help you to stay toastie warm in the freezing temperatures that hit throughout these winter months. So here’s a Top 5 for staying warm this bonfire night.

Faux fur headband, River Island, £15

1. Faux fur headbands- These were the essential winter accessory last year, and they certainly are lingering into this season too. The Russian inspired fur headband is the most stylish way for girls to keep warm. Who wants to ruin their hair from a beanie or a bobble hat? No one. So by making sure that you head is at least half covered, is one of the easiest ways to fight off the chill.

Chunky scarf, ASOS, £20

2. Chunky scarves- For me, scarves are the ultimate accessory. Huge ranges, making them suitable for sun and snow, wearing a a scarf does so much more to your outfit, as well as keeping you warm. Now, for winter, you can forget the pretty chiffon numbers and bring back the chunky, cable knits. Tied loosely around your neck whilst accompanied with the rest of your outfit, a chunky scarf will seem like your new best friend when the weather is at it’s lowest.

UGGs, UGG Australia, £150

3. Boots- Wellingtons, Uggs, Cowboy boots, the list is endless. But there is no point in braving the weather for firework night if you haven’t got yourself a pair of boots. Baring all for your ankles, winter boots make the perfect accompaniment to any outfit. Furry linings will help to keep your feet warm, and the one thing that your Mum would always say is that you lose the most heat from your feet!

Topshop Polka Dot Leather Gloves, £25

4. Gloves- It seems like an obvious solution, but you’ll be surprised how many people face the winter without any gloves. There is so much choice on the high streets of today, leather, cotton, fleece. These are all a great way to get your hands warm and make sure that frost bite doesn’t pay you a visit. As a child you would always be told to wear your gloves, and unless you’ve lost one, leather gloves are an ideal accessory to a stylish winter wardrobe.

Roll- neck jumpers at Warehouse

5. Roll-necks- finally one of the biggest mistakes that could be made is a lack of roll-neck jumpers. Firework night, standing around, head in the sky, and you haven’t layered up. Big mistake. At least with a roll-neck, every inch of your upper body is enclosed in knitwear. It’s so easy to layer up with roll necks, also, because you can’t see any tops that you may have laying underneath.

So remember, remember, make sure you’ve got the essentials to staying warm before you head out for a night of firework and bonfire celebrations.

Has it gone too far?

Now there is no denying that each and every one of the Victoria’s Secret models have dream bodies and are absolutely gorgeous. However, during their recent slating over their most recent commercial ad, has the company gone too far in demoralising and damaging women?

The Perfect Body?

It’s nothing more than a poor choice in words; “The Perfect Body”. They are perfect, that is the way that every woman should look in order to be perfect. Is this not wrong? Everyone knows that women come in all shapes and sizes, and that a large majority of us don’t look like Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne or Alessandra Ambrosio in our undies, but this is what the advert portrays. A petition has been put forward by students in order to get the company to change or retract the advert, but it really does raise the issue between women and the appearance that they should have. In this case, the responsibility is in the hands of Victoria’s Secret as they have sent out the damaging and unhealthy image of the way women should look. People shouldn’t be judged in society by the way that they look, but they are. The standard of beauty in our world today is dependent on the shape of your body and the proportion of women that are unhappy with the shape of their body is only increasing due to controversial adverts such as this.

Clearly, when you look further into it, the advert is nothing other than a play on words. The “perfect body” is meant to be describing the shape of the bra and the ‘perfect fit’ of the new underwear range that they are advertising. And yes, when there is a line of scantily-clad super-skinny women standing before you, obviously the first message you are going to receive is the fact that you don’t look like one of them. And the uproar on social media has been in relation to the instant message that you get from this advert’s title.

So whether Victoria’s Secret choose to listen to the petitions and uproar of the public, or not, people are still going to be judged on the way they look; unfortunately that is the society that we live in. So why should we care about a petty controversial advert? We see enough of them. But for how much longer should these style of adverts be allowed to sent out to the public? I think for now Victoria’s Secret can keep their fancy underwear for their skinny people and we can just buy our underwear elsewhere. Problem solved.