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! 

Father's Day Gift Guide

If you live in the UK, Father's Day is only just around the corner (next weekend) and if you're still trying to think about what you can get your dad for his special day, or lacking in an inspiration, I have compiled a few gift ideas for you to think about. 

I've always been a strong believer that buying gifts should be a really personalised experience for the recipient. You may have to think for a while about what they will appreciate the most, but there will always be something - no matter how big or small a gift - that will fill them full of joy. 

Papa Ginger, for example, has always been an appreciator of a fine beer. He scoffs all the time (along with Boyfriend) at my beers of choice. Treating him to a pint glass like the one above, particularly one with a funny message, would be something I think he'd really enjoy. 

If you are feeling in more a creative mood, making or customising a gift always adds a really personalised and meaningful touch. It doesn't have to be anything huge. How about selecting a few of your favourite photos of you and your dad and displaying them in a frame? Or if you like to express your creative side, find your sketching pencils, paints or pastels and create your own masterpiece. One of my sketches is up on the wall in PG's study, and knowing it's up there and he enjoys it so much really fills me with a warm fuzzy feeling. 

Does your dad always start the day with his hot drink of choice? How about an upgrade on his tea/coffee-making device? It can be a bit more of a pricey gift, but if you know it is something he will appreciate and use daily, you will definitely get bank for your buck. Before you know it, he'll be a barista in training!

They may seem like very traditional gifts, but I quite like the nostalgic-feel of giving the gift of a tie or dressing gown. Maybe it's because I love to lounge around in mine so much, or maybe it's because deep inside I'm a little Ginger Granny who loves to be cosy all the time. Either way, if your dad's dressing gown looks as though it's seen better days, or he works in a job where he needs to war a tie, treating him to some new apparel could be the perfect gift. There are some really, really lovely colours, styles and designs out there to suit all price ranges. Finding a luxurious looking tie or dressing gown will help your dad feel very much like the dapper superhero. 

Papa Ginger doesn't drive, but if your dad does, how about an experience day driving a fast car? He will feel like James Bond/ an F1 star in the making. I know that if you're in the UK, Red Letter Days & Buyagift offer a range of experiences to choose from (I've used Buyagift in the past.) From Supercars, to tanks, to adventure days gal;ore. If your dad is a bit of a daredevil, an experience day will definitely get that adrenalin pumping. And if it's something you can do together, it'll be a marvellous way to create new memories! 

If you are a GoT addict, please raise your hand. Yep. Me too. And I am not ashamed. If your papa is a Game of Thrones devotee too, then why not treat him to a series boxset or two. That way he can re-live his favourite episodes....Especially in the long wait that there usually is between seasons. They do like to keep us wanting more, don't they?

Personalised gifts are one of my most favourite things to shop for. Something that is quite an ordinary gift can be instantly given a sentimental touch by adding a special message, quote or date. Two of my favourite ideas for dads (aside from the beer glass) are a good watch, or a keyring. A lovely-looking timepiece with a little message personal to you and your dad will always have special meaning, and the keyring option he will see every time he goes open the car or unlock the house. With so many different choices, and price ranges out there, you can really go to town creating a very special gift.

What are you getting your dad this year/? Any other cool ideas, share them in the comments below.

Ginger's Fashion: HUGE Pre-Holiday Haul

Since turning 27 in January, I have found that my style has changed. I am more drawn towards a simplistic style. A wardrobe filled with a mix of neutral basics, layering pieces, and clothes that surpass all seasons and last forever is my dream.

So with a holiday approaching, I took myself off to Liverpool One, had a look online, and went out and about around the city and picked up a few clothing, beauty, and miscellaneous items to help me get ready for the trip, and my new outlook on my personal style. 

Products Shown: 

The Cuckoo's Calling: Robert Galbraith 

Poppet: Mo Hayder 

Essie Nail Polish (Nice is Nice)

Essie Nail Polish (Foot Loose) 

Ole Henriksen Truth to Go Face Wipes 

Primark Grey T Shirt 

Primark Pink Cardigan 

Primark Black V neck T Shirt 

Primark Black Crop Top 

Primark Disney Wash Bag 

Primark Frilly Socks (Assorted Colours)

Primark Black Swimming Costume

Lush Immaculate Eggception Bath Ballistic

Lush Rose Bubble Bar 

Lush Ultrablend Facial Cleanser 

Products Mentions But Not Shown: 

Lush Golden Egg Bath Ballistic

What are staples in your holiday wardrobe/ 

March Monthly Favourites / March Haul

I posted these videos a few weeks ago over on my Just Add Ginger YouTube page, but with it having been Boyfriend's birthday, and March being a rather busy month in general, I am only just catching up with myself over here on my little blog. 

Firstly, to my March Favourites. Being such a creature of habit normally, I think I surprised myself in March with how adventurous I had been with trying out new products. I think it's good to embrace change. Throw out the old and let in the new. Especially with it being spring....New life. New starts. And all that jazz! 

And then we come on to my March 2014 Haul. 

March was a month where I did a lot of wardrobe revamping. I indulged in a little bit of shopping to help spruce up my clothes, replace old and decaying items in my closet, and invest in lots of pretty new things. I don't usually do such a big amount of shopping. Normally I just pick up a few bits here and there, but since turning 27, I'm finding that my style is evolving and changing a bit, and there are things that I own that I just don't wear any more. So, once more, it was embracing the new and banishing the old (and worm to death.)

Have you tried any new products lately you can recommend? 

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?

W is for Wardrobe Organisation (Part I)

W: Wardrobe Organisation (Part I) 

Good Morning. 

My name is Ginger, and I am a clothes/shoes/accessories-o-holic! 

I'm not a shop-o-holic or anything, I just really, really, really like having lovely things in my wardrobe that make me feel amazing every time I wear them! Part of me feeling good about myself, is feeling that I look good too. So on days when I don't have work, I like to put in 110%. 

I don't do it for anybody else. I do it for me. 

If there are days when I want to stay in my pyjamas all day, I happily will, even with friends who are over. If I'm feeling confident about my skin, I'll go out with a small amount of make up on rather than a bucket-load! 

But clothes, accessories and shoes do make me happy. 

Sometimes, I just open my wardrobe and gaze....

Of course, having clothes comes at a price. You have to keep them organised. Now, I'm quite fortunate. I have my own house, and I live alone, so I have a fair amount of space to work with (2 wardrobes, a chest of drawers, and under-the-bed storage.) 

This is how I store my everyday wardrobe. I decided to do my wardrobe organisation in a few parts, as I have bits and pieces stored in different places. 

I usually keep clothes I'm planning to wear hung up outside my wardrobe to air

Here we go. This is my bigger wardrobe. It's on the side of the bed closest to me. Inside are my clothes and necklaces, and on top is where I store things I need to find a home for (it's a bit messy, so I kept it out of shot.) Even though I've lived by myself for nearly 3 years now, I'm still trying to sort things out and get used to having extra space!

I try to keep my clothes in a specific order so that when it comes to hanging clean clothes up, I know exactly where to put them. As you can probably tell, I do like to mix and match colourful and neutral pieces. I try to go for a colour palette that I know will suit my hair and skin tone, and items that I know I will wear time and time again (thank you to the Duchess of Cambridge for making this cool again!) 

On the inside of my wardrobe door I hang all of my necklaces. I bought a small row of coat hooks - which one of my handy friends put up for me - and just screwed it in to the door. This saves all my chains getting in to a tangle, and means I can just open my wardrobe and get what I need, instead of rummaging around for things. 

On the very far left of my wardrobe is where I hang up all of my jackets/jumpers/cardigans that I wear on a day-to-day basis. The things I hang here will depend on what time of the year it is, so, at the moment, I have lighter jackets and thinner cardigans, with a few thicker options just in case the weather turns colder unexpectedly. Most of my jackets are black, because it looks good with everything. I tend to be a little more colourful in my cardigan and jumper choices!

L-R: Blouses, Skirts, Dresses

In the middle, I keep all of my every day clothing pieces. Starting from the left I have blouses and tops that need to be hung up, then I move on to skirts, and then, on the right hand side, dresses. In a lot of my fashion choices, I look for things that can be worn from day through to night. Sometimes, if I'm out for the weekend with friends, we go out during the day and stay out until late, so it's good to have crossover pieces. Colourful items are a must, especially for Spring/Summer!

At the opposite end of the wardrobe to jackets, I hang all of my clothes solely dedicated to nights out....dresses, tops, playsuits and jumpsuits! I don't have a standard order in which I store things, but the things I wear most often tend to find themselves nearer the end that is closest to my other clothes.

There you have it for Part I of my wardrobe storage. 

Keep your eyes peeled for more parts to come.

How do you store your clothes? Any top tips for saving space?

Ginger x

Outfit Of The Evening - Dinner Date | Just Add Ginger

Spotto is here visiting me! Last night we went out to Frankie & Benny's for cocktails and dinner! I decided to dress up a little bit because going out at the weekend is something I really enjoy, and it's nice to feel special when you've spent all week in slouchy clothes!

I thought this outfit was effortlessly chic, and didn't look like it took too much time to put together. I think it would be perfect for a night out with friend's, a casual school/office look, or even a date night.

What do you think?

Have A Clothing Clear Out | Just Add Ginger

Thank goodness it's Saturday! 

Recently, I've been having a bit of a sort out of my clothes...I have a huge sort out about this time each year, and turn out clothes that are too shabby, too big, too small, or that I'm just not going to wear any more. As a 20 (something) year old, I feel that I'm still in between my teenage self and my grown up self in terms of fashion, and sometimes I will buy something, and a few months down the line think...

"Eurgh...I'm too old/young for that!" 

So, having a clear out every once in a while makes me feel better. I either donate the clothes to charity, or sometimes, sell bits and pieces on eBay. Either way, I know that somebody else will be enjoying something that I've had! 

I've cleared out two HUGE Primark bags already of tops, dresses, pyjamas and more...it is so cathartic, and lets me see all the great things I have in my wardrobe... 

It's so colourful! 

p.s: I did take more photos, but I am having SERIOUS camera issues. But that's a story for another day! 

Do You Dare to Double Wear?

Bonjour Universe! 

How are you? I know I've been a bit MIA lately...it's the end of term and I have got SO much to do and have been really, really busy! 

Sozzums for that! 

There has been a bit of a taboo around for a while about "double wearing" or "recycling" clothes...especially with Kate Middleton marrying Prince William, getting more in the public eye and having more opportunities to wear fabulous clothes!

Grrr at her! 

The media seem to not quite her recycled style. Just look here! Maybe it's because she's rich, or married to a Royal...who knows!?  But I think Kate Middleton is advocating a really important point! 

You CAN wear things more than once. 

I know, because I do it...ALL the time! 

for example....

I wore this dress to Chester Races in July...

And on a night out in March...

I don't see anything wrong with recycling clothes, especially in the recession and/or if you don't have loadsa' money to splash around all the time and buy lovely things with. 

It's all about the accessories....

I mean, look what Kate does

Personally, I always take it as a challenge to take something I've worn before and give it a COMPLETE revamp using my accessories...and don't forget...hair is an accessory too! 

It doesn't take much to try, and if in doubt, you can always ask friends/family to lend you some jewellery to accent your recycled look. Shops like Primark and New Look sell really reasonably priced accessories.

So I'm going to continue taking a leaf out of K-Mid's book and rock the recycled look...it's good for the planet...

and my purse!

Weekend Wonders!

Bonjour Universe!


Today, I am having the ultimate chill-out day!!

I also have a little announcement to make...


Today, I've become the proud owner of a coffee set...I absolutely love it!


I can't wait to have my first coffee morning or tea party!

This morning I took really easy. I sorted out my clothes...I had a naughty KFC for lunch...

 And now, it's XBox and chocolate time!

Yesterday. I picked up this gorgeous striped jumper in the F&F sale. It was only £7 and is SO comfy! I bought it a few sizer bigger than me so that it was slouchy, and it's perfect to slouch around in whilst still looking chic!

Hope you are having a good weekend!

Happy Sunday!

April 2012 Favourites

Bonjour Universe!

Today, I am uber excited!! My first "Favourites" post! Eeeeek!!

I know I've been away for a few days...(did you miss me, little blog?) But I am back now, and ready to roll!!

Here we go...

Clothes

Ever since the pastel trend came to the high street, I have been obsessed! I was looking for a pair for sooooo long, and just couldn't find ones that I really liked. I FINALLY found a pair of gorgeous mint green ones in Sainsbury's. They are really well fitting, with a stretch in the fabric so they are fabulously comfy too.

And THEN! I found a pair on the Dorothy Perkins website in a gorgeous duck egg blue/green colour. They're a bit brighter than the Sainsbury's ones, but the colour is so flattering, and the fit is just perfection, and I love them, and I want to wear them forever! Ahhhh!!

Make Up

In my teens I used to always be a lipgloss kinda girl. (Lipsticks were like way too granny-ish!) But recently, I have rediscovered the lipstick love. Natural Collection have got a great priced range out (£1.99 each...bargain), and their nudes are so beautiful. The two I'm loving at the moment are "Autumn Sunset" (left in the picture), and "Coral Shimmer" (right in the picture.) They are quite pigmented, and are definitely worth a look if you like your nudes and neutral shades!

Firstly; I apologise for the state of these next products. I use them every single day, so look a bit messy, but well loved!

I first tried the L'oreal Infallable 16h foundation because I was looking for a reasonably priced foundation to take away with me. Well, let me tell you, I have found it! I use this foundation (my colour is "Natural Rose) EVERY SINGLE DAY! The coverage is great for me (I am spot prone), and the colour is almost a perfect match to my skin...and it was only about £12...love, love, love it!!

Second product I swear by is my YSL black mascara. I got it as part of a set with the Touche Eclat, and I haven't looked back. I find the formula really light, and long lasting, and it makes my lashes look really big and bold. I don't know if I'd buy it again (YSL is a bit out of my usual price range), but for now, it is a little bit of indulgence for my lashes.

Skin, Bath & Body

That shampoo bottle has seen a lot of love!

I have been using the Bed Head Urban Anti-Dotes shampoo and conditioner for quite a while now. My hair is really prone to knots and matting, and I find that the shampoo and conditioner by Tigi sorts me out really well. (I've actually run out of the conditioner, that's why it's not in the picture.) It smells gorgeous too...like sweets. I've actually had people coming up to me to smell my head. Cleans your hair and boosts your ego...fabulous products!

I use the Soap & Glory Girligo Body Moisturising Mist everyday too. It's really funny, because I only found it a few weeks ago. I was cleaning my dining room, and found a Soap & Glory set I was given for my birthday with some products still inside. Thank God I decided to tidy up. The mist smells like a sweet shop, and leaves my skin soft and smooth and moisturised. "The Righteous Butter" also helps smooth out my skin, and has the same scent. Using the Bed Head, and Soap & Glory products together makes me smell so good I want to eat me! hehe.

Nail Varnish

I NEED to have quick drying nail varnishes. I have a very, very strange way of painting my nails, and I need them to dry quickly. I have been so impressed with the Maybelline Express Finish varnishes. They dry very, very fast, and the colours are just exquisite...this month I've been using no 215 "Spiced Latte", and no 610 "Exu-blue-rant". You do usually need to apply two coats and a top coat, but I find these last on your nails for quite a while without chipping!

Music

I have quite a varied taste in music, and I usually just like the odd song from an artist - of course, there are those musicians I just LOVE, but for the most part, nobody new gets added to that list - but I think Kyla la Grange has one of the most beautiful, unique voices I've heard in a while. Seeing her live was amazing because you can tell by the way she performs how passionate she is about her own music. Listening to her reminds me of summer, and makes me feel really calm and mellow.

TV Shows

Ringer - I absolutlely am addicted to this show, and I don't know what I'm going to do when the last episode airs. If you've not heard of Ringer before, and you like your dramas on television, you need to give this a look! Sarah Michelle Gellar stars, and every episode, I am glued to the screen, antcipating what is going to happen next. I seriously hope there is a Season 2!

Game of Thrones - I'm sure most people have heard of this series (in the UK and USA/Canada at least. It is such a gripping show (based on the series of books), and completely addictive. I do warn you, it's not for the faint-hearted, as it can get quite brutal, but once you remind yourselves it's just a tv show, you're fine.

Ginger's Jollies: I'm going to London!

Holdall: Accessorize. Make Up Bag: Clinique. Satchel: New Look (I think!)

Bleurgh!!!

I am SO tired this morning. I did not sleep well last night at all! I was hot, I was cold, I was hungry, I had some seriously weird dreams, I needed a wee (Oops. TMI?!) I just could not get comfortable and from about 3am-4.15am, I was just awake. It was awful. I used to suffer from really bad insomnia, so when I can't sleep, I get really stressed out, which means I can't sleep, which means I stress out....It's a viscious circle!

Bleurgh!

Anyway, I suppose it's a good thing I'm up bright eyed (if not so bushy tailed), because today, after work, I'm going to Londinium for the weekend! Hoorah!!

As usual, my trip is going to be jam packed!

I am going shopping tomorrow! I'm so excited to go back to Oxford Street, especially Forever 21. There isn't one close to me, and I am in love with their jewellery. Looking round their jewellery department is like walking into an Aladdin's cave. I love it! Amazing!!

I never know what to pack on my trips down to London, especially when I'm so busy. I need to be comfortable when I go to London, but whenever I am there, I feel the need to dress up a bit. Particularly on Oxford Street. You CANNOT be frumpy on Oxford Street...It is so stressful!

Although I am awful at packing light with my clothes, I am quite good with my make up. I have quite a simple daily skin care/ make up routine at the moment, so the products I need don't take up too much space....does this mean I'm allowed to pack more clothes?! Hmmmm.....

I'm not sure how much I will be able to post over the weekend. But I'm going to try; my camera is charging as I type, and I have already snapped some photos for upcoming posts. It just depends how much time I have. Apart from going shopping tomorrow, I'm out for tea in the evening, and then on Sunday, I'm getting a tent-putting-up masterclass in preparation for Canada. (I have never put up a tent in my life...this should be interesting!)

I'm off to make a coffee...

Or five!

Happy Friday Everybody!