One Sunny Summer Wedding | Just Add Ginger

Dress: ASOS. Fascinator: Debenhams. The Boy's Suit: Slaters

Mid-July, Boyfriend & I, took a trip down to Oxfordshire to attend a family wedding at the beautiful Belmond le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. 

I've only been to a few weddings as a grown-up, and deciding what to wear is always difficult. It is Summer, so I knew that too restricting a choice could end up in discomfort, feeling sweaty, or something even worse! 

But I had planned well ahead of time, and knew hat I had just the right floaty, fluttery-sleeved number in my wardrobe (purchased from ASOS - whenever I need something, ASOS always gets it right!) 

Finding a fascinator was a little bit more tricky. With the wedding being held in such a beautiful venue, I knew I just had to go all out. But finding a piece of headwear that actually suited my head and was comfortable was more difficult than I first anticipated. But my final choice could not have been more perfect. It was comfortable, classy, and I ended up being one of the very few ladies who kept their hat on all day.

Boyfriend's suit-buying experience was fantastic. He opted to go for a more tailor-made experience, so we headed to Slaters in Liverpool. And they really looked after him, listening to the sort of look he wanted to go for (channelling Michael Fassbender,) and ensuring that all the alterations were done to perfection. 

It was a glorious, beautiful day. I felt so glamorous, and very Kate Middleton, with my ghd curls and pretty headwear. And the Boy looked dapper in his choice of slate grey suit with royal blue accents (we were so matchy-matchy!) 

Who's heading to a wedding this Summer? 

#AtoZChallenge / Ready For Spring (Style Inspiration)

Now that I've reached my *whispers* late twenties, I feel like my style has made a U-turn. Where I once was comfortable in more colourful clothes, I now seek a more simplistic, casual-chic style. Even for Spring. A more monochrome wardrobe for me is more timeless, and I can invest in pieces that I can transition from Spring to Summer to Winter with ease.

I'm loving ripped jeans, comfy tees, floaty blouses and over-the-knees. Chunky knits, lightweight coats, and side braids. Clothes that I can dress up, dress down, wear out to go shopping, or for a night on the town. I'm done rifling through row upon row of clothes, hoping to become more adventurous. I've found a way to combine my desire for comfort and my love for chic.

This is my style and I'm sticking to it!

The Most Perfect Maxi Dress | Just Add Ginger

Maxi dresses always make me feel sexy. Granted that not every style will suit me, but there will always be one out there that - once I put it on - makes me feel like a million dollars.

So as soon as we had received an invite to a party, I hit the ASOS website to see what I could spot. The party didn't have a formal dress code, but I have been looking to add a classic black maxi dress to my wardrobe for a while, Something I know I have should the need for formal dress ever arise. This gorgeous beauty caught my eye straight away. With super-flattering sleeves, a cheeky slit on one side, and a plunging neckline it offers just the right amount of slinkiness but still looks exceptionally feminine and pretty.  And it fit like a glove! 

I teamed the dress with a glittery gold clutch, my new Daisy Street Darcy heels, To emphasise my hair I added a statement multi-row necklace, and The Boy & I headed out to dance the night away. 

Ginger Fashion: Autumn Days Are Made Of This

Grey Duffle Coat: Florence & Fred, Blanket Scarf: Primark, Skater Dress: Primark, Chelsea Boots: New Look

My style has been evolving a lot lately. Right now, I'm sitting in my blogging space with a huge bag of old, unwanted, or worn-to-death clothes behind me. As I'm getting further and further into my 20s, I'm finding myself being more and more drawn to the more simplistic styles. And forever an advocate of the multi-wear pieces, it was time to update my wardrobe a bit. 

Grey Marl Coat: Primark, Blanket Scarf: Primark, Elephant Print Swing Dress: ASOS, Chelsea Boots: New Look

These are the kind of looks I've been loving lately. With the newest additions to my wardrobe being this amazing snuggly blanket scarf from Primark and my Florence & Fred hooded duffle coat I feel like all the pieces I love so much can get a re-vamp ready for Autumn. 

With a new hairstyle option under my belt (check out my braid tutorial here,) I feel like I have found a really timeless, effortless, "I woke up like this" (even though I didn't) look that I can carry from Autumn to Winter.

Gift Guide For Mums

MG's birthday is coming up soon. And she won't be upset if I admit this but she is notoriously difficult to buy for. You go to suggest something and she turns it down, or, you try and hunt for clues as to what she might want, and she immediately thwarts your attempts. It can sometimes be a nightmare.

If, like me, you are always pulling your hair out trying to decide what to get your mum (or another female relative) for their birthday, I thought I'd put together a little collection of ideas that will hopefully give some inspiration and make the process a bit less tricky.

1. Afternoon Tea: I did actually buy this for my mum one year, and she really enjoyed it. She pootled on down to London to The Ritz and enjoyed a day out and a bit of afternoon tea and cake with one of her friends. Sometimes it's not about actually giving somebody a gift, it can be about giving them a memory that will stay with them. And particularly if your mum is the type that doesn't really spend time treating herself, a gift like this is perfect to give her a little bit of a pamper.

2. Ted Baker iPad Case: PG actually treated mum a bit earlier this year and bought her an iPad Mini, I think he was a bit tired if her wanting to steal his tablet all the time so bought her her own (I'm a bit jel!) So an iPad case is actually something that I wad really considering getting her for her birthday, and the Ted Baker ones are so cute that it was hard to resist. They are such a pretty accessory to carry your iPad round in, and the assortment of colours mean there'll be one to suit every mum's taste.

3. Lolita Wine Glass: I just think the glasses by Designs by Lolita are gorgeous. They've been a constant presence on any mental gift list (although I only own one myself...I need to look in to that.) They come in so many different designs, and the brand also does shooters, pilsner glasses and champagne flutes, so regardless of your mum's tipple of choice, there's bound to be a glass and style that suits her personality.

4. Make Up: MG's never been a big make up wearer, but with mine & Boyfriends nuptials peeking out from the future, I think it might be time to help mum invest in a beautiful high-end lipstick so that on the big day she feels like a D-iva! Every time I walk past the beauty counters in the department stores in town, I am dazzled by the pretty packaging and sumptuous shades of lipstick that I see. If your mum deserves a bit of a pamper, and she's not normally a make up wearer, a designer lipstick is a really lovely present for her to pull out on special occasions, and enhance her beauty.

5. Scarf: Scarves are brilliant. They come in so many different shapes, sizes and design that you can never have too many (in my opinion.) Even if your mum doesn't war that many scarves, they are a brilliant piece to add to her wardrobe. Not only  do they accessorise an outfit, but they can also be tied round the handle of her favourite handbag to add a bit more Ooomph. 

6. Sweaters: Now if ther's anything my mum loves, it's a sweater. And especially if that sweater has a cute picture, or some embellishments. In her job, she likes to be as comfortable as possible, whilst still looking smart and fun. There have been quite a few years where a cute sweater has featured as part of her birthday present, and if I'm ever out/online shopping and spot one, I just can't help but pick one up for her.

7. Theatre Trip: This is actually something that MG,PG, Boyfriend & I are doing already. For her birthday, MG really wanted to see Les Mis. I - of course - agreed immediately, hand flying in the air "pick me, pick me," but PG & Boyfriend weren't so keen. So, for her birthday outing, me and MG are going to see Les Mis, and PG & Boyfriend are going to see The Woman in Black. Then afterwards we are meeting up for tea. Just like the Afternoon Tea option, going on a trip, whether it's to the theatre, or the zoo, or for a picnic in the park, memories can be such strong gifts to give.

Any gift ideas for mums? Share them in the comments below.

Ginger's Fashion: My North West Bloggers Event Outfit

Maxi Dress: ASOS, Cardigan, New Look, Bandeau: New Look, Multi-Chain Necklace: ASOS

Hair: Blossom Hair & Make Up

Now that I'm getting in to my later-20s I'm finding it a bit harder to know what kind of things I should be wearing. I know the clothes that I like to wear, but I'm starting to get a bit conscious that I may not be able to pull certain things off as well as I used to. 

For the North West Bloggers Event in June, I needed something to keep me cool, that was sophisticated, but still a bit whimsical I kept my trusty old maxi dress from ASOS understated by teaming it with a black bandeau from New Look to protect my modesty, and added a pop of colour with a coral cardigan from New Look. I threw on my vintage-inspired multi-chain necklace just to pull everything together. 

My hair added a touch of fun and whimsy. My lovely hairdresser Beth from Blossom Hair & Make Up did it for me. I love braided hairstyles and she created an up-do for me that was really bohemian and free, and meant that I wouldn't get overheated. It made me feel young and fresh, and created an extra accessory for my outfit.

And I bloody loved it! 

Ginger's Fashion: My Birthday OOTN & FOTN

Next Thursday, I will be turning the grand old age of 27!

So, in honour of becoming part of the "late 20s" club, on Saturday night, me, Boyfriend, Sarah (salocainwonderland.co.uk) and her other half went out into town to see Pirates of the Caribbean at the Liverpool Philharmonic, and have some celebratory beverages too. 

Lace Skater Dress: ASOS
Skinny Belt: ASOS
Stacking Rings: H&M
Pearl Bracelets: A Gift


Because over the Christmas period I had put on a couple of extra lbs, I wanted to wear something I felt comfortable in, and my dress from ASOS (which you can find here) made me feel like an absolute glamour puss!

Hair & Make Up: Blossom Hair & Make Up 

I was very fortunate to be having my hair and make up done for me as a Christmas/Birthday treat, and had really specific ideas about how I wanted everything to look. I am a big fan of neutral eyes, huge cat-eyes and lashings of mascara when it comes to make up, and Beth from Blossom Hair & Make Up made me look - and feel - like a flawless Hollywood Ginger Princess. 

Hair had to be big bouncy and beautiful. And because I am a huge fan of braids and can't really do them myself, Beth incorporated one into my hair for me (Lauren Conrad style.) 

 What's your instant go-to feel-good look when it comes to hair and make up?

Blogtember 2013: Fall Fashion Picks

"Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop."

It's no secret....

I absolutely love clothes.....

...and shoes....and bags....and accessories... I love it all!

But when it comes to buying fashion pieces, I'm still a high street girl at heart. Nothing beats going to a shop and trying things on, rummaging through rails, and discovering that the shop has only one of your size left in that dress you love, and you've found it!

I do like a good browse online though. ASOS has been a favourite for years. I think their website is fantastic, and I love finding gems on there, and waiting for them to arrive in the post. It's the online store I religiously buy from every few months, because I am always so impressed with their collections and the quality of their clothing. The only time I have ever had to send anything back is when the sizing has been wrong.

I do also love looking on the H&M website. I was so happy when it launched, as I find that one H&M stores carry stock that sometimes I can't find in others. It's good to have all their clothing together in one place to look at so that I know what to look for when I go in to the shop itself!

These are my favourite online clothing stores, but I'm also a big fan of:

LUSH: https://www.lush.co.uk/
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.co.uk/
YANKEE CANDLE: http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/

(I've yet to pop my Yankee Candle cherry, but I love looking on the website at all the amazing candles they sell and imagining what they smell like! *candle swoon*)

What are your favourite online stores?

Spring Nights Lookbook

It has been March for ten days now. I ca hardly believe we are here already. Spring is definitely on the way! 

Woohoo! 

Although it WAS snowing today, but still. I'm sure it was a blip on the weather radar.... finger crossed. 

Spring brings with it a great opportunity for re-birth. And at the moment, I feel like my fashion boundaries are in labour (without the terrible pain.) So with that in mind, I've brought together a Lookbook of outfits I intend to try out/have tried already for the new season. You will notice that some of the pieces and accessories are the same. I am a STRONG believer in owning items that can be worn over and over, and always try to get my cost per wear! 

Look One 

 Hat: Topshop

Blazer: H&M

Waist Belt: ASOS

Skater Dress: Primark

Tights: ASOS 

Jewellery: Primark 

(I wore this look on Friday night and LOVED it. The hat was particularly popular. It got a lot of action!)

Look Two 

Bodycon dress: ASOS

Black Tights: M&S 

Peeptoe Heels: New Look 

This bodycon dress does ALL the talking, so if I wear this out, I'd keep accessories to a bare minimum. At most, I'd make a statement with a bold lip or smokey eye, but no more. Too much and I don't think I could pull it off. 

Look Three 

Hat: Topshop

Bodycon dress: H&M 

Flower cuff: Primark 

Ring: New Look (I think) 

Black tights: M&S

Shoe boots: New Look 

This dress makes such a statement on its own that you don't need to be ostentatious with anything else or you'll draw attention away from it. I'd go for understated jewellery, and my new Topshop hat to coimpliment the punk/rock feel of the dress, and keep my hair a little bit unkempt and wild!! 

Look Four 

Hat: Topshop

Green tunic/dress: H&M (in the Netherlands) 

Ring: New Look (I think)

Flower cuff: Primark

Black tights: M&S

Peeptoe Heels: New Look

 This dress is very, very short. It is not for the faint hearted. Again, I'm keeping accessories simple in this look so it doesn't look overwhelming. If it was chilly out, I'd team this with the black blazer from Look One,  to mix in a bit of masculine with the feminine. 

Look Five 

Hat: Topshop 

Blazer: H&M

Printed skater dress: Primark 

Waist belt: ASOS

Black tights: M&S

Knee high socks: Primark 

Shoe boots: New Look 

Flower cuff: Primark

Ring: New Look (I think) 

This look is very similar to Look One, which is probably why I like it so much. Although this time, I've teamed it with a pair of knee high socks instead of statement tights. I really like the idea of taking a super girly dress and teaming it with a dark, longline blazer. It adds a casual touch, and the masculine style of the blazer constrasts with the feminine quality of the dress. This is probably my favourite look, because it is so versatile. Definitely a Day to Night ensemble! 

Ginger x