(Back)Pack it up!

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.

A bit of everything – then some more

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!

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.

A pretty bracelet

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.

 

What’s your letter?

alexi-london-initial-necklace-review-5Another obsession: anything with my initials. Just throwing it out there.

There was no surprise that when I saw the gorgeous Alexi London initial necklaces I just had to have one.

alexi-london-initial-necklace-review-1And being the lucky thing I am, the lovely ones from Alexi London sent me a lovely “d” to hang from my neck.

This necklace is really delicate and stylish. And lower case, contemporary font initials have a ribbed effect for a bit of texture.

alexi-london-initial-necklace-review-4The chain (16″, goes to 18″) is also very delicate, with flat rings. The clasp is great, super secure and modern, and the overall finish is of fantastic quality.

The letter (12.5mm x 9mm) itself has a good weight so stays in place, and because it is great quality sterling silver, I don’t have to ever take it off! It’s been on my neck since I got it.

I love mixing it with chokers and layering with other dainty necklaces. This necklace makes a lovely, thoughtful Christmas gift and also comes in gold-plated finish.

Alexi London is a company that believes in everyday luxury, laid back but with high quality and ranging from classics to contemporary. They have the prettiest selection in jewellery – necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets… name it!

Everything super wearable and affordable. Indeed they make jewellery I do want to wear!

The pretty Alexi London initial necklace costs £45 and is available, well, in all letters of the Latin alphabet and you can get it from the Alexi London website.

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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.

Looking ahead: AW16, anyone?

dani's little book of fashion shoes - somanylovelythings.com

Oh, yeah, gimme red!

As Alanis Morissette would say: Isn’t it ironic? The weather is only just warming up (use that with caution) in almost mid-August but my ever wandering eyes cannot stop ogling over AW16.

I may even have bought a couple pieces… and GOSH kicked out the vibe providing me with amazing makeup for the season… So what do I have my eyes on?

Well… read on…

Cherry, vibrant red, I am looking at you. Yes. Not that I stopped wearing you, as you are my classic fave colour… but you are so in. Updated the sober autumnal look with that cherry pop.

Another colour you’re gonna have lots of for the season is pink. I don’t need to say how much I love that.

Sandals. Yes, sandals. I have just fallen in blind love with pop socks and it looks like they will stay with me with my winter sandals.

For the more conservative ones, pick less delicate sandals with block heels, and a counter. But those strappy ones you abused of in the summer are also in.

Socks, tights or both. Gucci AW16 lis the inspiration. Learn.

Matchy match bags and shoes was huge in the late nineties/early noughties. Well, it’s back. Live with it. My OCD thanks you, AW16.

Still on shoes, boots. Of course boots, for winter. Doh-oooh. But I am talking kinky books. Detailed, over the knee, tied-up, high-heeled statement boots.

vb-woolbustier

I’ll take the cut-out, thank you.

British heritage fabrics. Now, I find them hard t wear, being from Brazil and all… but with the re-vamped silhouettes this season, I think things will be easier. VB bustier anyone? Thanks.

slip-dress

Probably around 5 of those in my wardrobe right now…

The slip dress doesn’t seem to be going anywhere… especially when the silks are back with a revenge. Suits me right: slip dresses are easy to wear and dead comfortable.

08 Jan 2001, Los Angeles, California, USA --- Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, arriving at the 28th annual American Music Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium. --- Image by © Frank Trapper/Corbis

Hold on….Not going *that* far…

And while we are at the 90s, let’s talk about denim: I’ve been dodging it; bought a pair of jeans here, a shirt there…. but it’s already everywhere.

I am not going to discard the possibility of pulling a Justin and Britney. Ok, I will NEVER touch it *cringe*.

As we are talking denim, let’s not forget embroidery and badges. Huge. Still. Get sticking!

mcqueen-coat

DREAM COAT ALERT!

Talk about coats for AW is a bit silly. Of course there will be coats. Think trenches, capes, puffas… the usual suspects. But also pretty (embroided, hello!), shiny… Love.

Oh, and don’t forget the military.

I talked about this Alexander McQueen coat before. God, it’s dreamy.

velvet

Growing on me this velvet business…

Finally, velvet. I am torn when it comes to velvet: the texture is undeniably delicious, but it is quite unforgivable on the bumps.

Still, the opulence is undeniable. I think I like the vampy vibe. Might start slow, with a little crop or something. In black or navy. For now.

Like the bling? Well… spread the family jewels around. Hair, face jewellery, shoes, handbags… aplenty!

jewels

Crown me… crown me!

Embellishments are huge for AW16 – jewels, embroidery, badges, as already mentioned, but sequins, stones, crystals… Sometimes altogether. GO big or go home never made more sense.

What have you got an eye on for the new season (and I am hoping it takes a little while to arrive, honestly!)

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I’ll bag that, thank you very much!

biba-clutch bag-house-of-fraser - 5My life obsession has always been shoes. Ok, and makeup. Bags were not that much on top of my agenda, but in the past year I suddenly became a bit obsessed, and made a few extravagant purchases.

Because they don’t need to be super expensive to be oh-so-pretty, House of Fraser offers a huge variety of bags to suit all tastes, needs and very importantly, budgets.

biba-clutch bag-house-of-fraser - 2I recently got this gorgeous clutch from a brand I love, Biba, which is stocked by House of Fraser.

They have a fabulous range of Biba bags, and most some glimpses on the art deco style the brand was known for in the 60, but styled for today.

My choice, the Geometric Box Clutch, has it all. It’s golden, has some copper geometric snake skin panels. The shape is comfortable to hold, it has a great weight to it and a magnetic clasp with a big black jewel on.

biba-clutch bag-house-of-fraser - 4The inside is lined with the iconic Biba logo in black satin, and to make it even better, is also has a delicate, but sturdy, chain if you get tired of clutching it.

But Dani, what if I am not that into golden clutches? Fear not. Biba has loads of options and even better, at House of Fraser, you can find thousands of styles (in fact, at the moment, more than 4,000 on the website), from as little as £10! Yes, a tenner.

biba-clutch bag-house-of-fraser - 6This pretty and shiny, as well as super chic Biba Geometric Clutch bag costs £59.

Delivery was super speedy, well packaged to keep our treasured bags in tip-top shape. The website is easy to navigate, the purchase process very straight forward (I didn’t order this bag through it, but used it before for purchases) and you can search by all different criteria to help find the right thing for you.

Of course, you can always go to the shops and touch them all (not in a creepy way… *cough cough*); they stock handbags from high-street to premium brands like Mulberry and Lulu Guinness.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Fall for Specsavers new addition: Love Moschino

I love my Specs. Many a times I said I grew into loving them, now I see tem as a fashion accessory.

My glasses choices vary every day. Some days, I pick a sharp cat-eye to look fierce. Other times, big thick black frames to look smarter or square frames to look more serious.

When I heard about the latest designer collection at Specsavers, my heart skipped a beat. That’s Moschino for a very affordable £125, and even better, on the 2-for-1.

The Love Moschino collection, exclusive for Specsavers, counts with 12 super wearable frames for prescription, for all occasions, and 3 prescription sunglasses, but with that cute and irreverent Moschino twist.

There are little heart prints, polka dots, tasteful jewels and lettering. They are just the right mix of cool and elegant.

My favourite has to be the cat-eye: black frames with a jewelled detail on the arms.

A close second is this gorgeous larger oval-shaped frames with adorable heart on the outside and polka dots on the inside of the legs. There you have it, my 2 for £125.

I could, however, also do with this gorgeous plum number and the fabulous white-framed prescription sunglasses.

Choosing is a hard task, especially when I tried them all at the amazing Light of Soho which, incidentally, had their art exhibition themed about love.

Impossible not to feel enamoured!

Best thing? You can get hold of yours now! Browse the oh-so-adorable Love Moschino collection on the Specsavers website and pop to a store for an eye test and quirky new specs! The hard party? Pick only 2!

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Purrrfect lingerie: Charlotte Olympia for Agent Provocateur

charlotteolympia_agentprovocateur2Well, well, well… if you were to be caught in a sexy web… it would look just like this.

Absolute no secret I love Charlotte Olympia. Everything the woman does, I am sold.

This collection for Agent Provocateur, launching today (18 Jan) at Charlotte Olympia and Agent Provocateur shops and online, as well as at Net-a-Porter, is no different.

“I almost have more lingerie than shoes! Both brands share similar sensibilities – we’re feminine, playful and love glamour” , says Olympia. And it shows. The pieces are sexy and flirtatious.

Obviously vintage inspired, modelled by Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and inspired on the likes of Anne Bancroft in The Graduate, the plays with Charlotte’s signature themes: cats, spider webs and leopard.

Somehow, it makes £95 for three cat knickers worth the money…. They are, after all, Purrrfect!

Here are my favourites.

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