Category Archives: Style

Living up my princess dreams

Posted in Dresses, Fashion, Lifestyle, Shoes, Style by

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.

written by Dani

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!

Am I going to the ball?

Posted in Dresses, Style by
Goddiva dresses

Given the current pandemic situation, this should be the least of my worries but I cannot help but wonder about festive balls this winter. Although chances are slim, it won’t stopping me dreaming about the most beautiful gowns.

Goddiva is an old favourite of mine, especially this time of the year: they never fail to stock the most glamorous dresses for all celebratory occasions.

I might be celebrating Christmas in a very small group, if any, this year, but I am hoping I will give these beautiful dresses an outing.

Goddiva label

Of course they will be styled and posted as they deserve, but for now, I cannot help to think how much I will be able to dress up and show up.

Will I don gorgeous evening maxi dresses that shimmer when the light hits?

Am I going to fall into the exhaustion of multiple Christmas dos? Spoiler alert: don’t hold your breath.

Goddiva evening dresses

I will miss all the festive struggles below and the many questions that come with it:

Am I going to struggle to transition between seasons choosing between autumn and winter dresses? Could I get a multi-tasking one?

What colour to pick to stand out? Are my accessories popping? Dress up or down? (Always up btw)

What is going to be that dress everyone has this season?

Goddiva navy and blush ombre princess maxi dress

Will I have enough dresses to cover he events in my diary? How far can I get away with shorter, lighter dresses before moving completely to winter dresses?

Hell, the only question I can ask at the moment is: “will I even be in a situation requiring me to squeeze into a pretty dress in the foreseeable future?”, as there not many answers at this uncertain times.

One thing is for sure: I am prepared. And as the magpie that I am!

Goddiva silver dress

I got these three beautiful dresses from Goddiva: one straight from a fairy tale, sparkling navy and blush ombrè, a flowy silver sequin number that screams studio 54 and a sexy dark red gown with a fish tail that wouldn’t be out of place on Jessica Rabbit.

And I am ecstatic with my selections. I have worn quite a few of their dresses before and they are always a hit: the designs, the fit, the material, the quality – all with great value.

  • Goddiva red sequin maxi dress

However the end of 2020 turns out to be, I promised myself I will drape myself in sequins, sparkle and happiness. Even if it is dinner for one, but hopefully we will all be able to have loved ones around – that alone, is worth celebrating!

This post contains PR products and was written in collaboration with Goddiva. Words are my own, opinions and images too!

written by Dani

(Back)Pack it up!

Posted in Accessories, Lifestyle by

Confession time: for a long time I resisted getting back pack. However in recent year the designs have evolved and you are not stuck with the “back to school”, “sporty” models. My Gaston Luga Clässy is the perfect example. And damn, they are handy!

Of course I am stuck inside but I can see how useful my Clässy will be: the sleeve in the back is a great size for my laptops (13′) and I am left with plenty of space for my other necessities: phone, purse, keys, headset, pen and notebook for work, a power bank and cables, some makeup and maybe a small makeup bag , comfortably. I am sold.

Also means weight is evenly distributed across my back, so healthier than lugging multiple shoulder bags around.

The straps are made of PU leather and adjustable to a good range and feel comfortable on the shoulders.

The body is made of durable canvas and it has a lovely branded lining, with a padded laptop sleeve (for 11′ – 13′ laptops) and a couple inner pockets (compact, perfect for phone, keys, lipstick) and their signature back pocket, big enough to fit a passport, a phone in a safe, but accessible place.

It has a PU leather tie through eyelets to close and a flap with a magnetic clasp to keep belongings secure! All hardware is golden.

I really like the details on this – the back pocket being the star, but then the little hook, the finishing is impeccable, and padding is really soft… even though the canvas is a tough material, the attention to details makes this a somewhat delicate backpack.

Gaston Luga is a Swedish company and they have a great range of accessories – all falling within the “fashion with function” category: clean lines, modern designs but with plenty of space (mine is 13l) and useful features. Gaston Luga is a carbon neutral company and use cotton canvas and vegan leather (which feels amazing, btw) on their bags and accessories (purses, travel bags, luggage tags, passport holders).

The lovely Clässy comes in three colours (mine, black, plus pink and black and navy and brown) and costs £89 with free delivery and returns – I was VERY impressed on how fast it arrived, even during the health crisis, lovingly packaged and in a dustbag.

You can explore the Gaston Luga collection on their site – use my discount code DANIDUTRA15 for a 15% off your purchase!

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains a PR samples as Gaston Luga kindly GIFTED me the Clässy backpack. Opinions are honest and my own.

Also, the pictures were taken IN MY BUILDING. I did not go outside, and the area they were taken at was EMPTY.

December in style

Posted in Fashion, Style by

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.

A bit of everything – then some more

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, beauty news, Fashion, Make Up, Shoes, Skincare, Style by

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!

written by Dani

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.

It’s wedding season!

Posted in Accessories, Lifestyle, Style by

Calm down, I am not settling (down)! Now to the real reason behind the title…

If you are a bride, there are lots of big ticket items you will definitely have ticked off your list, but we know the devil is in the detail and one of the little touches that makes a big difference is giving your bridesmaids and wedding party a thoughtful gift. 

They supported you through the blissful, the stressful and even maybe the bridezilla and it’s lovely to say thank you for having them in your life. 

How, you ask? Pandora has a lovely bridesmaid collection, geared towards this type of gifting, but also options aplenty on the site, and with options for various budgets – be it to keep as a token of gratitude and friendship or to wear on the day. 

The collection is very stylish and carries very intricate and symbolic designs, ranging from classic to trendy, certain to meet all varied tastes and age groups.

The selection of their famous charms for the occasion is very cute, some carrying meaningful messages. You can build a bracelet for £129.

On top of that, a necklace is always a good choice, and Pandora’s selection is second to none – the one I was gifted, Shimmering Wish, costs £70 and it’s sterling silver with cubic zirconia in the shape of a wishbone.

It can be made into a set with earring and a lovely bangle with the same design.

Apart from being beautiful and well crafted, Pandora really helps take a tiny bit of stress from having to go to many places to gift your wedding party – to be honest, most of their jewellery is more than suitable for the occasion.

We were presented with the new collection at the Ivy Tower Bridge, over a fun night for food and drinks, where we had a calligraphy workshop  – which is also handy to get those gifts an extra special touch! 

I am pretty sure that thanking your bridesmaids with a Pandora gift would have them, unintentionally, thanking YOU for a thoughtful gift to be kept for a long time.

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: I was invited to see the collection and was gifted the necklace. This piece, however, is based on my honest opinion.

Underneath your clothes

Posted in Fashion, Style by

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.

written by Dani

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

On body image, smaller breasts and beautiful lingerie

Posted in Body, Lifestyle, Style by

Don’t get me wrong: I have always seen myself as having a good body image: I don’t usually care much about what people think, always dressed and looked after my body in a way it makes me (and no one else) happy, and am quite comfortable wearing nothing or very little; always been a lights on in the bedroom girl.

So why is that when time came to photograph in lingerie I was nervous and dreading the publishing of this post?

Dita Von Teese Madam X lingerie - FigleavesPhoto fears overcome, let’s get to the reason why I wanted to photograph in beautiful lingerie – and they don’t come in much more beautiful than the Madame X set from Dita Von Teese in Paradise Pink, available at Figleaves.

My small breasts were, as I was growing up (and they weren’t, as it turns out), a little bit of a joke. Fried eggs, a big spot, ‘took it after my dad” were common jokes to deflect the fact I always thought they were not proportional to my wider hips.

Plastic surgery was a desire for many years, for all of the above and also that, being from Brazil, the quest for the perfect body is never ending and surgery is widespread.

I wanted a fuller cleavage, wanted to stop using the ridiculously squashy push up and cushion-like padded bras I wore most my life.

Then something happened. They were no longer an issue. They felt like mine, they felt sexy and suddenly looked like they were the perfect fit for my body. They belonged. Finally.

The change was in my head, and the life long journey that is accepting yourself in various aspects. I went topless on the beach. I started going braless. I wore daring necklines. I stopped caring.

“Oh, you are too flat to wear such a plunging neckline”. Oh well, I like it and feels comfortable, so you can suck it up. Also, I actually think it looks good.

“Don’t you think such small breasts are not feminine” enough? Well, they are still breasts and they haven’t received any formal complaints to this day (please don’t form an orderly queue), so you can suck it up, again.

Dita Von Teese Madam X lingerie - Figleaves

Sexy lingerie was always something I wore for myself. There are no limits to my preferences – from the practical to the pretty all the way to the kinky, I am in.

However, I always compromised the beauty of my lingerie for the push up factor. But no more. I will now wear shapes that will flatter my size and make me feel good, without creating that extra boob of foam I cannot even feel.

I always perceived Figleaves as a retailer that caters for the fuller bust, so never thought of looking for my underwear there.

Until I went to one of their events, got a proper fitting and realised their gorgeous styles – for all tastes and pockets – are available from an A cup, and that includes sports bras!

Plus, among many great brands, they stock the stunning Dita Von Teese range, with which I frankly fell in love at first sight, then again when looking closer.

Figleaves handpick their stock from over 200 brands, from everyday to luxury, and their bras go from A to K cups. They also have their own brand, which has great styles with great fit and is extremely good value for money!

They are passionate about lingerie and how women feel when wearing them, from the practical to the fashionable, something I am very much on board with.

The Dita Von Teese lingerie is extremely sexy and classy, very comfortable to wear and there is a great selection of sets currently available on the Figleaves site.

The gorgeous Paradise Pink Madame X bra costs £48, the g-string £27 and the suspender £40. It also comes in black, creme caramel, aquamarine and electric blue, but the pink is limited edition, I am told.

Also, if you are quick, just today (14 May 2018), Figleaves has an amazing 25% off promotion*. Just use the code HOLIDAY25.

Be quick and DO IT NOW.

*Some exclusions do apply

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: stripes incoming!

Posted in Fashion, outfits, Style by

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

A pretty bracelet

Posted in Accessories, Style by

Someone in the office asked me what part of family is magpie. Yes, I love sparkly, shine things.

No wonder I fell in love with this rose gold Swarovski bracelet! With three big crystals, one being reflective, it’s certain to dazzle.

However, the novelty of this piece lies in its clasp – a gorgeous magnetic sphere with lots of little crystals that locks the jewel in place.

Furthermore, it enables it to be connected to others to create necklaces – mix and match to any length you wish.

Retailing at £80, it makes a gorgeous gift for a loved one, as any Swarovski item, really.

The Autumn/Winter collection is dazzling, inspired on city landscapes and lights at night. There are items for all tastes: from discreet to opulent pieces.

Of course, the quality of the crystals is amazing and the deliver fabulous clarity and shine.

For me, at the same time this bracelet is quite eye catching, it is also suitable for everyday and office wear.

And the seamless way the clasp comes together means that making a short or long necklace would make an equally elegant and wearable piece.

It is part of their autumn winter collection coming soon to shops worldwide.

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.