Christmas Gift Guide Part 1 | Gifts For Her

1 SEALOE Prints | Perfect for those who love chic interiors 2 Valentina by Valentino Eau de Parfum | Perfect for elegant fragrance lovers 3 Saint Laurent Classic Satchel | A big budget is definitely required 4 Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Series Contour Cream Kit | An essential for beauty addicts 5 River Island Applique Flower Triangle Bra | Available in cream and black 6 Nutribullet | Perfect for those green smoothie lovers 7 Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mist Gift Set | Everyone's favourite 8 Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera | Instant fun for selfie lovers 9 Girl Boss Mug | The ideal Secret Santa gift 10 Kiehl's Pamper Yourself Gift Set | For those who love to pamper 11 Real Techniques Bold Metals Essentials | Another beauty lovers essential 12 White Company Seychelles Luxury Gift Set | 13 Olivia Burton Midi Dial Black and Rose Gold Watch | A classic time piece 14 Rosie for Autograph Pure Silk Wrap | 15 Lucky Eyes Circle of Life Necklace | A perfect gift for that special someone 

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the 1st of December and the countdown to Christmas will begin - it seems like only yesterday that I was compiling last years list! Christmas shopping is now in full swing and has been for quite a while now (crazy I know). But if, like me, you like to leave your shopping until it truly feels festive then now is the perfect time to start compiling your Christmas lists and getting yourself organised. 

To make your shopping that little bit easier this year I have put together a quick gift guide for that special someone in your life. Whether it's for your mother, sister, best friend, girlfriend or wife (boys take note!) I have hopefully found something for everyone. - A Gift Guide for Him will shortly follow. 

Return of the Camel Coat

Topshop Camel Coat | Zara Two Piece | River Island Ankle Boots | Valentino Bag

There's a reason the camel coat makes an appearance season after season, it's a timeless classic that every wardrobe is at a loss without. There are currently endless variations on the highstreet, whether it's belted or fur lined, there's something to suit everyone. I love the maxi length and structure of this one from Topshop, it leaves just enough room to show off a statement ankle boot and is the perfect shade. The boots are of course inspired by Dior's patent showstoppers and have been EVERYWHERE this Autumn. They are super comfy and easy to wear!              

BALMAIN X H&M - on a budget

The highly anticipated Balmain X H&M collaboration was launched last week and it didn't disappoint, selling out within minutes in stores worldwide and leaving many empty handed. If, like the majority of us, you weren't quick enough (or couldn't spare £399 for THAT dress) then don't panic, the high street is now bursting at the seems with affordable look-a-likes. 

BALMAIN X H&M

Staying true to form, Oliver Rousteing filled the collection with heavily embellished, military inspired luxe-looking designs, giving the high street a chance to look and feel like a designer runway show. My favourite piece from the collection is the over-sized double breasted jacket which looks amazing worn as a dress. At £99 is wasn't the most expensive piece, in fact most of the collection was fairly priced considering, but the look can still be achieved at less than half the price.

Image sourced from alexachung.tumblr.com

MISSGUIDED

Missguided is not somewhere I usually shop however I stumbled across this Long Sleeve Tux Dress and instantly loved it. Available in both black and navy, and at only £40, (with never ending discount for students) it's a cheap and easy way to recreate the Balmain look. Preferring tailored suits to party dresses, I always struggle to find a dress that has that structured edge. The tux dress is a perfect blend of both and will definitely be my go-to outfit this up coming party season.

Awkward Lengths

Top - H&M Studio, Jeans - Marks & Spencers Limited Edition, Boots - Topshop, Bag - Celine, Watch - Olivia Burton, Sunglasses - Topshop 

I'ts safe to say I have found the perfect pair of jeans. I have always preferred culottes over jeans however after seeing a surge of denim at LFW I decided I needed to invest in a good pair. Turns out 'invest' is the wrong word as I picked up these amazing cut off flares for £12 in the sale!! I love the awkward length, it's a refreshing take on the traditional 70's flare. The length is surprisingly easy to wear and I love how they compliment a pair of statement ankle boots.   

I managed to get my hands on the last pair of these tortoise shell heel boots from Topshop whilst I was doing my internship in London. I have been living in them for the past week and, they are definitely the comfiest pair of shoes I own. The top is from the new H&M Studio collection which I am also obsessed with. The collection has the perfect mix of delicate silk and chunky knits, all items are tailored and slightly over-sized - ideal for autumn/winter. Living in Nottingham for the past three years, my sister had a habit of raiding my wardrobe (what was left of it anyway) whilst I was away. Now I'm back - and she's gone - it's definitely my turn to take my pick and her Celine bag was top of my list (what are sisters for after all). 

  

Autumn Wishlist

The cooler air and darker nights are setting in, yep it's beginning to look (and feel) a lot like autumn. New season trends are filling the high street and the temptation for a new autumn wardrobe is hard to resist. But, currently being unemployed (thankfully this is soon to end as I've managed to get myself a part time job at River Island) means that my autumn wardrobe will remain in the form of a wishlist for a little while longer yet. 

Here are a FEW of my favourite pieces for this season (the real list is never ending)...

London Fashion Week with HPR London

After a successful three week placement at HPR London in August, I was asked to return to help out with the craziness of London Fashion Week. Never having the chance before to go to fashion week, I was ecstatic at the opportunity. Working in PR there is so much to do during the run up to the shows so we were crazy busy creating extensive RSVP lists, sending out thousands of invites and holding model castings alongside the usual day to day activities. 

We had five shows across the Friday and Saturday and they were probably THE most hectic days I have ever experienced. Very early starts and even later finishes are simply expected, but the experience was, of course, worth it. 

Friday 18th September - Day 1 

Ong-oaj Pairam

Our first show, Ong-oaj Pairam, was held at the BEAUTIFUL Hotel Cafe Royal on Regent Street. The intricate decor was the perfect backdrop for Ong's elegant collection. The HPR team were front of house seating guests and backstage overseeing press.

Image sourced from instagram @ongoajpairamofficial

Image sourced from instagram @ongoajpairamofficial

Image sourced from instagram @ongoajpairamofficial

Image sourced from instagram @ongoajpairamofficial

Clio Peppiatt

Clio Peppiatt held a presentation at the On|Off show space in the Vinyl Factory, Soho. Again the team were front of house overseeing the presentation and were also there to help with the production.

 

Saturday 19th September - Day 2

Asli Polat 

Asli Polat's SS16 collection consisted of floral detailing, sheer fabrics and intricate pleates. A gorgeous collection that created a youthful look. Some of the team, including myself, were needed backstage as dressers. Courtney, the model I was assigned, was a dream to work with! Experiencing behind the scenes during the show was a crazy experience, definitely something I will not forget.

James Kelly 

James Kelly returned for his second season showcasing at Fashion Scout after winning the Merit Award for emerging designers. His SS16 collection, as with his previous collections, focused on deconstructed garments with a particular focus on trench coats. 

Zeynep Kartal 

Our last show was a favourite of mine. Zeynep Kartal's gorgeous designs were the perfect mix of feminine elegance and structured silhouettes. Unfortunately I missed the show but was able to have a front row seat to watch the dress rehearsal! The team was needed backstage to help out beforehand and were again front of house during the show.