Living up my princess dreams

Posted in Dresses, Fashion, Lifestyle, Shoes, Style by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

Ok. Confession: “princess” my dresses were never really my thing, so I was surprised by how drawn to this beautiful ombré shoulder wing maxi dress I was.

So I am living up the princess dreams I didn’t even know I had!

From the three I got, this was probably my “least” favourite and as such the one which surprised me the most.

As soon as I received it, I had to try it on and I knew immediately I’d shoot it because it is magical.

The blush and navy ombré reminds me of when the fairies in Sleeping Beauty are fighting over the colour of her dress – pink and blue. The glittery tulle with some added sparkly stars really looks like magic was cast over it.

The dress flows and shines beautifully. The apt princess neckline together with the drop sleeves just make it even more wonderful.

Goddiva dresses sizes start at an 8 and it’s a tad big for me on the chest and waist – nothing a belt and a strapless bra didn’t solve!

I also accessorised with my beloved Christian Louboutin pailette caresse all turned to silver. Id probably throw in a lips clutch in silver mirror to wear for an occasion.

I decided to shoot it at the stunning St Dunstan on the east former church with was bombed in the II world war abs is now a beautiful garden open to the public.

I highly recommend you pay a visit if in London, it’s a haven of tranquility and peace, on top of its beauty and history.

I am usually a fan of sequin dresses, a bit more skin tight, but this dreamy dress has definitely got my heart!

Only regret? I should’ve worn a tiara.

Goddiva has a great selection and I hear their new season dresses section is growing considerably for the party months, even if it is to party from your sitting room.

This post contains PR products and was created in collaboration with Goddiva with no obligation to post. Words are all my own, opinions and images too!

11Dec2019

December in style

Posted in Fashion, Style by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

It has been a while since I wrote a style post. Let’s face it, losing a boyfriend wasn’t the hardest part of the break up – losing a begrudging photographer was. Now I annoy friends to take shots. And pay them in plus 1 to events. Nice eh?

When I first heard of Femme Luxe Finery, I was a bit dubious – the clothes look amazing but at that price, can the quality be good?
I am impressed. Not only the quality is ace, but also the cut and fit are great.

My favourite piece has to be the Oxford blood faux leather set. The beautiful Amy corset top (£14.99 with 50% off) hugs in the right places and is very comfortable to wear. The Mimi trousers (£13.99 with 56% off) are super high wasted and have a great fit. And it’s sexy AF – not gonna lie, I felt like a hot assassin from an action movie the first time wore it! Versatile, it is great to mix and match.

I chose to wear with heavier boots and belt for a more rebellious look. Together or separately, these became keys pieces in my autumn/winter wardrobe.

I’m a sucker for a jumpsuit so no surprise I picked the Evelyn (£14.99 with 56% off) up. This gorgeous wide leg, one shoulder, long sleeve number is perfect for this time of the year.

Throw in some sparkly heels and belt, and you’re party ready. Wear with boots and it’s dinner and/or date sorted. Again, the figure hugging fit is fantastic as it really enhances the body and because the fabric is of good quality, it really hugs you in. Plus it comes in many colours – the croc is looking fab!

Finally, a frilly number. The Hattie bodysuit (£11.99 with 58% off) is amazing. Super sexy in sheer mesh, it has frills in a V at the front and back. The back is covered and the front plunges.

However, I prefer to wear it back to front as the naked V at the back looks stunning and I find the more covered front prettier on my body shape. Did I say versatile?

And Femme Luxe Finery has a fabulous selection for the festive season – think sparkle so you shine at any occasion. Check their website for amazing coords (I adore a two-piece), a fabulous selection of on trend PU clothing and gorgeous bodysuits and dresses

At the moment they have a huge promo with up to 75% off so hurry! The value for money is UNREAL!

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post was written in collaboration with Femme Luxe Finery and it contains GIFTED products, with no obligation to post. Opinions are honest and my own.

5Oct2019

A bit of everything – then some more

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, beauty news, Fashion, Make Up, Shoes, Skincare, Style by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

Do you ever, like me, go into TK MAXX and feel like a kid in a sweet shop, not knowing where to look?

That happens in most locations, but I always managed to find what I need: be my most convenient, London Stratford or my closest to work, Bank, but their new Oxford Street location just took that feeling to a whole new level, where big brands at small prices are spread across four floors.

Modern, spacious, organised, friendly and full of cute corners, with a killer stock!

You can find their usual accessories, beauty, shoes, women, children, toys and men sections, together with the coveted Gold Label, jewellery and also Pre-Loved, a small super luxury section where you can find big ticket second hand designer accessories.

Think original dream handbags, procured and authenticated. How great is that?

The beauty section is always fun for me – so many fabulous brands I love and worked with in the past and you can truly find some gems.

It is also a great place to discover new brands and products!

Now, the home section has my heart – so much that at my visit to the new shop I ended up getting most of my little visit haul from there, including a set of four beautiful iridescent glasses for £7.99 and a 15oz candle for the same price.

Where can you find great glassware at such good price? Cushions as fas as the eye can see? Towels so soft and so affordable? Kitchen utensils staples but also some you didn’t even know you needed?

Candles, for example, I will never pay through my nose for that again; they have so may options of excellent quality!

Not going to lie, I got this very seasonal Sea Salt Pumpkin (yum) there the last time, but I have at least two of the same brand, with more classic fragrances I like for my home, purchased a while back, stocked up and ready to go.

And the shoes? Have you ever paid attention to the calibre of the designers at the Gold Label section? It is INSANE. And the savings you get?

Add that to the rows and rows of the non- gold label footwear at even better value.

Talking about Gold Label, the same goes for clothes. Some gorgeous stock going.

I went a bit more modest and got this fabulous pink coat at a very affordable £39.99 that is going to see me through the autumn very well. I love a pop of colour, especially in the colder months where everything is so grey!

I have, apart from the goodies I got in this shopping trip, many a gems from TK MAXX.

My kitchen is full of amazing accessories from known brands which were purchased there for a fraction of the price.

Who remembers my gorgeous silver holographic glitter boots that look a million dollars but was purchased for £17 a few months back?

And who hasn’t got the heartache of not having bought something, just to go back a few days later to get it and not find? A black leather handbag, circa 2010, Clapham. My heart.

TK MAXX works with many designer brands – big and small – and are always procuring the latest in fashion.

You may think most of it stock is past season, but the vast majority comes from current season overproduced, overbuys from stores, and some especially manufactured stock for TK MAXX which negotiates volume and good prices, which are passed on to us, consumers!

Great for the pocket and also a good chance for surplus stock to actually get sold and used. Oh, and it does not hurt they look sooooo good!

Oh, and they have plenty of Halloween stuff at the moment!

TK MAXX has many stores across the UK, Europe and Australia – so easy to find one near you. Visit the new one at 203-207 Oxford Street, just a few minutes from the tube station.

Oh, and don’t forget they also put some of their stock online, so visit their website – you can use gift cards and even click and collect at the shop!

Please note that this was a PR offered opportunity. I was invited to visit their new shop and given a gift card to buy some tempting items, but the above is based on my experience on the day and general, asa customer, with TK MAXX.

29Apr2019

Underneath your clothes

Posted in Fashion, Style by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

Pants. Knickers. Nether garments. Underwear. We all wear it, most of the times, but we don’t really talk about it very much.

Is there anything better than new, fresh underwear? Come on!

There are many different shapes and styles to suit all body shapes and I favour some more than others, depending on the occasion.

Pour Moi underwear at Fashion World, £12
Curvy Kate underwear at Fashion World, £10
Figleaves underwear at Fashion World, £16

A thong is very handy and lends itself for a sexier look, so I wear them quite a lot, especially when going out.

I find that when picking a lacy number, it is important that the lace quality is good, so it does not feel uncomfortable or cut.

The lacy numbers are a staple in my wardrobe and I love thongs with pretty details on the back.

Maidenform underwear at Fashion World, £31 for 2

Talking about staples, seamless pants in colours close to your skin tone are always welcome, especially in the summer with lighter colour skirts. Not the sexiest of pants but super useful.

Another favourite shape is the Brazilian brief. I feel it is comfortable but still makes the bum look good.

Simply Be underwear at Fashion World, £14
Figleaves Curve at Fashion World, £7

For every day, I prefer cotton (or at least a blend with high cotton %) as it is breathable and better for intimate health – I am quite sensitive so this is a great help for me.

Pretty Secrets cotton rich underwear at Fashion World, £11.20

The brief shape is doubtless a favourite for day to day.

All these (and much more) can be found at Fashion World. Check out their broad knickers selection, which has a great ranges of sizes and stocks many known and loved brands.

This is an AD as it is sponsored post. This piece was written by me.

15Feb2019

When haute couture sparkles

Posted in Fashion by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

It has been a while since I wrote a style post – or even longer a fashion post. So how best to pick it up than with Paris Fashion Week? From FROW, merci!

Don’t they say Paris is always a good idea? Turned out to be a great one got treated to a plethora of amazing shiny designs.

In total, we covered about 10 shows in 2.5 days under mainly freezing in snow and, trust those 55k steps taken, hectic. But boy, would I do it again? Hell yeah!

I will start with what makes my heart flutter: whimsical sparkle. And there as a fest for my eyes!

Alin Le’Kal brought in wearable glamour to the catwalk with Reflective Elements. And reflect it did, as it shone its way past me.

So close I could (wanted, but didn’t) touch the fabulous creations, the heavily embroided evening gowns walked had in had with very party friendly versions.

These gold numbers are an example of the versatile core design translated into different styles and occasions.

The black numbers didn’t disappoint and again, seeing something I could wear straight away was a delight.

Also alluding to princess dreams, some of my favourite designs had a classic full skirt, and the mix of materials is just dreamy – crystals, feathers, beads.

The lines are sensual and feminine, and very relatable.

Regal. That is what Ziad Nakad‘s Orion collections says to me. I am not going to lie that every time a model came down the long staircase into the double runway, it did take my breath away.

The craftsmanship was almost palpable and the whole collection looked like a magical fairy tale, with flowy and extravagant styles.

Dazzling in pastels, champagnes, silvers and black, the collection did allude to vintage royal styles, heavy on stone work, Nakad created his own constellation that afternoon.

The above, my favourite, mainly for the combination on the ombre colours, neck line and the exquisite use of feathers and crystals, was a just breathtaking – I let out a huge gasp when it came in and when i went out.

Finally, not as amped up but also shining bright, La Metamorphose brough some classic (and classy) lines into their Eden Gardens collection.

Having a woman in bloom as its theme, the pastels and whites call for purity and light – in design and personality.

Again, vast skirts did take my fancy, and I was again taken aback by the prettiness of it all.

A huge thank you to all of the amazing people at MÉPHISTOPHÉLÈS Productions – Romain, you are a gem and everyone working at the shows made me fell so special!

Stay fashionable – I will soon be dropping more fabulous brands in!

Alin Le’Kal and La Metamorphose images by imagetree, prss release by Mephistopheles Productions.

24Feb2018

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: stripes incoming!

Posted in Fashion, outfits, Style by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

It’s been so long since I actually published a style post, but I am hoping to get back into it. What better way of getting back into it than this little gem, shot in the beautiful Spencer House over London Fashion Week?

If you haven’t noticed (I am sure you have), stripes are going to be everywhere for spring/summer. It suits me fine as for me, they are always welcome. However, even though I like trends, I will only adopt what I like, twisting and tweaking to make them suit my personal style.

This is a super budget outfit that turned out to be quite fun, quirky and cute, which is just the kind of style I love!

This New Look cropped red wool jumper, currently on sale for £6 (a bargain!), comes in 7 colours and also looks amazing layered.

The sac, tie waist trousers, also from New Look, has a great fit for its shape and it seems to come quite large – this is a size 6, while I am usually a 10 for trousers. It costs a reasonable £19.99 and I feel it will be a staple on my spring wardrobe.

Boots are from H&M – another great bargain at £29.99, and the cute hearts from IPHORIA on the laces add extra cuteness to the ensemble and break up the rough edge of the boots.

And I was wearing my favourite clutches ever: Lulu Guiness lips, this time in black, which was the first one I got.

A couple of years ago I started building a solid handbag and shoe base. Since then, I haven’t wasted money on high volumes of cheaper shoes and bags.

I currently have 4 lips, in black, gold, red glitter and nude, to cover most outfits!

Finally, to top it off, you know I like making stuff, eh? I made this cute hair piece with a little gem encrusted whale keyring, also from New Look at £4.99 (now on sale for 2.99). I cut the keyring bit and added a little bow to the loop at the top of the happy whale’s head.

I then scrunched some net I had home, to channel a bit of SS18 Chanel, and all was duly hot glued onto half a fascinator hair comb. Suddenly my side ponytail is a load more fun just by sticking the hair piece to the base of it.

Makeup was simple: a long feline flick, a little bit of nude matte eyeshadow on the crease, and 3/4 lashes, a good measure of highlighter and a killer red – he almost electric Charlotte Tilbury Tell Laura on my lips!

You all know I love a monochrome with a splash of bright, so no wonder I like this outfit so much. I am very excited to have FINALLY posted a style piece – and that is comes ahead of the new season!

What are you looking forward to wearing when the weather is warmer?

And huge thank to Kat for shooting me pretty. Check her out on Insta!

written by Dani

14Jun2017

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: that party dress

Posted in Dresses, Fashion, Make Up, outfits, Style by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

Who doesn’t like a pretty frock? Come on! And when they come well priced, that even better.

Adrianna Papell is a brand that strives to deliver a feeling, not only a look, taking into consideration our individuality as women. Designs are modern, chic and vary in style to suit different ages, body types and styles.

I found sizing is quite generous, created to fit real bodies. Both designs I tried are size 10 and they were a bit big for me, so I have to be pinned at the back! The fit fit is good, skimming in the right places.

I was thrilled to be invited to a little Adrianna Papell red carpet shoot, which included a little champagne pamper at House of Fraser Oxford St in London.

Dani Dutra
miss.dutra@gmail.com

I had a fab YSL makeup and checked out their latest launches which was followed by a lovely styling by Aveda (do you know that they know have a dry conditioner? YES!) .

Just because I am greedy, I tried 2 different full length styles. A gorgeous black number embroided with flowers, which was dreamy,. The flowers, in bright colours, cascade down the torso into the flowing skirt.

I then went on to wear a silver two piece, as I thought it was quite different and slightly reminiscing of Indian wedding wear, making a lovely alternative to a sari if you are a guest.

The top had a little bit of transparency, which I am a big fan of, and intricate beading was present throughout both pieces. The high-waist skirt was more skin tight, opening slightly on a pretty heavy-ish train.

Both designs featured beading heavily, but felt very comfortable to wear, not to heavy. They also have in-built bras so you don’t need to worry about that!

Really pretty, and they look more expensive than they are!

You can get Adrianna Papell dresses from House of Fraser, of course and from Debenhams.

Their prices vary from £120 to £350 at HoF website, so you can get a new one for every wedding/race/event/garden party you attend this summer!

All pics by James McCauley.

written by Dani

7May2017

We are better together: Carol Aquino for So Many Lovely Things

Posted in Fashion, Lifestyle, Style by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

Wow. That’s how I am opening. I never thought I’d get someone other than my selfish and picky self to write on So Many Lovely Things.

The day, however, has come. Welcome Carol Aquino *all clap*.

Our paths crossed randomly a few years ago but just recently we realised we may have more in common than previously accounted for. Add to that the fact Carol, originally from Rio but a good old London soul like myself, has enviable credentials and boom.

In all honesty, I am over the moon (surprised and a bit incredulous, tbh) she agreed to become a collaborator on So Many Lovely Things. I cannot say enough how ecstatic I am to get a bit of her shimmering sea of knowledge, professionalism and fun over the blog.

Ms. Aquino brings extensive fashion, style and communications expertise, plus a ridiculous gift for seeing the future (she works in trend forecasting) to the little blog, to make up for some of my shortcomings, mainly in knowledge, but also in, erm… ~~lazy assness~~ time to create more posts.

The low-dow:

MA in Fashion Journalism (London College of Fashion)
Extensive experience on international trend forecasting (she worked for Stylus and trendwatching.com)
A background in economics, mainly providing poignant research for politics.
An undying love of glitter and dancing (hello! <3)

Some of you may have already seen her on my Instagram or at an event, so will not be surprised to see her face (and wise words) ’round here too.

View this post on Instagram

Happy easter bitches! And I was called the Goddess of Fan. Not bad. At all 😆••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #style #estilo #stylish #styleblogger #instastyle #instalook #outfit #love #styleblogger m #instalike #instagood #instadaily #instamood #instalove #instabeauty #instagirl #me #ovalspace #dance #disco

A post shared by Dani (SoManyLovelyThings) (@dani_dutra) on Apr 13, 2017 at 6:10pm PDT

Carol will be covering fashion, trends, style, lifestyle and to be honest, anything she wants, gracing us with her fabulous flair and that eye in the future!

Catch her on Instagram (@carolaquino), Twitter (@querouaquino) and of course, here real soon.

21Sep2016

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: a, well, fashion affair

Posted in Fashion, outfits, Style by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

Photo by @JoinComb for The Apartment

It’s early, I’ve had little sleep, I’ve been so tired I refused champagne. Yes. That. It must be fashion week.

Honestly, I don’t even do that much for it and it is rather tiring. On my day 1 (actually day 2), I was lucky to watch Rohmir frow with Crabtree & Evelyn.

Photo by @JoinComb for The Apartment

They were an official Fashion Scout sponsor this season and created beautifully illustrated special edition packs of their fabulously classic hand creams to celebrate; I had a divine hand scrub and massage, which all Freemason’s Hall guests could have too!

Their #HandsOnFashion hashtag was all over!

Rohmir show was entitled my English Garden and, quite appropriately to Crabtree & Evelyn, had a its share of flowers! A pretty, flowy collection and very wearable. I could certainly do with some pieces.

I also visited the fabulous The Apartment, a space I am very lucky indeed to be invited to. The atmosphere is fantastic, Abi, the founder behind the concept is a joy to be around and she gets it beyond right every season.

Photo by @JoinCOmb for The Apartment

This season’s star had to be the concept room, full of pink balloons. In love.

I had my hair done – a small side plait and some waves and a photo shoot with the amazing guys from Comb. As I mentioned, The Apartment has some fabulous partnerships every season!

I decided to go a bit girly-goth on Saturday. Cats seem to be a recurring LFW theme for me – this season it manifested itself with a Karl Lagerfeld tee, with Choupette illustrated by Tiffany Cooper.

Photo by @JoinComb for The Apartment

Add my little Karl phone cover to it, a dinky cat necklace from Forever 21 and voilá: a theme is re-born.

I also threw my Karl Lagerfeld for Riachuelo jacket in for good measure (it’s London after all).

lfw-5 This magnificently full voile skirt, bought from Amazon, was Primed over in 24h for a ridiculous £8.95.

Little dotty socks (I freaking love little socks) are from Primark, these chunky sandals from New Look have been with me forever, handbag is my beloved Chanel, of course, which completed its first birthday with me.

Photo by @JoinComb for The Apartment

Nails were painted grey with Essie Now and Zen, lipstick is the fabulous Di La LA from MDMflow, a cleaner eye with fierce eyeliner and the pretty Eylure Rosie Bea Kitsch lashes.

I loved this look so much! And it worked with flats too, to run around, although I was lucky enough to be ferried around in style (and comfort) by Hyundai – another great Apartment partnership!

I also visited the Pandora lounge and they had Mii makeup, Nails Inc Paint Can nails and the most amazing Pandora treats vending machine!

Lookfantastic also has a fab lounge; when I went, I had a makeup refresh and a fab lip done by Lord & Berry and I also popped to the Perrier Jouët L’Eden in London, which is a gorgeous lounge and bio-responsive garden by Bompas and Parr, part of the London Design Festival (well worth checking their activities this week).

Perrier Jouet L'Eden

I mean, anywhere you can pick your pretty flute from a tree, I am totally in. Glam and gorgeous!

And that was just Saturday…

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24Aug2016

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: Tough summer

Posted in Fashion, outfits, Style by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

The title might seem a bit of a overreaction, as the outfit is not that tough… If you know me, however, you will know I am drawn to the girlie, the delicate, the ladylike.

In the past months, however, I’ve been growing the other side of my personal style: a bit darker, quirkier. It is summery, it is comfortable, and although it’s a bit different for me, I’ve been leaning towards that style a lot lately.

So Many Lovely Things | Style | Summer

The cropped t-shirt is Karl Lagerfeld for Riachuelo (a Brazilian high street chain). The star studded high-waisted shorts are a gift from a friend’s mum.

To soften up the look, I added frilly pop socks from Primark, this way, I’m still true to my girlie side!

The shoes are an absolute bargain find from H&M; they are comfy enough to walk around but give me a fair amount of height.

I slapped some red lipstick, the latest addition to my collection: Charlotte Tilbury “Tell Laura”, very basic makeup, RayBan sunglasses, a much needed choker (totally back to the 90s Dani) and necklaces.

And I added my Mulberry Lily bag.