December in style

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.

On body image, smaller breasts and beautiful lingerie

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!

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

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.

 

Get your Shine (Shack) on!

 

My love of glitter is never ending. From the tiny pots mum started to buy when I was around 8 that doubled up as school crafts and hair adornment for ballet presentations, to the same little pots purchased years later to comply with the 90s “glitter round the eye” trend, my love for it never grew smaller.

If anything, it just grew, may I say, exponentially, in the last years. And I have no shame. Glitter Milanese is the goal (#GlitterMilanese/#MilanesaDeGlitter, you saw here first hahahaha).

So you guys have no idea what meant to me to be invited by the amazing girls at Shine Shack to have a glitter makeover for Lovebox at their beyond fabulous pop up at Missguided Westfield Stratford.

I mean, who am I kidding? I’ll never get over the fact my girl crush and glitter goddess Posie Dwyer actually touched my face and glittered me up <3. I’d been Insta-stalking them for aaaages!

So off I went on my “disco ball day”, with my lovely Carol in tow to get to shine even brighter and spread their sparkle even further on the second day of Lovebox.

I got a proper silver holo that was all sorts of fabulous and Carol an amazing pastel-y gradient. The gem design is customised, as well as the glitter combos and obviously Posie and the Angels listen to what you want and deliver extra.

Basically, it is a happy event altogether: they are happy, it’s a great vibe, there is clearly a huge passion behind the brand and work that is done and you can definitely feel that. Plus, glitter IS life so…

Here’s a ridiculously excited story I posted on Insta still at Missguided after being Shine Shacked:

You can have from a simple bio glitter huge sprinkle on the parting of your hair (£3) to lovely braiding (£15, various styles, add rings for an extra £5), as well as glitter on one side of the face, gems, or the full works: glitter on both side of the face, chest plus gems on both (from £7 to £30). Take a look at their divine shimmery menu below.

I mean, I did some glitter on my face on Friday but this was EXTRA. Another level, I cannot recommend enough.

Shine Shack is at Missguided Westfield Stratford (on the right as you come in) on Fridays and Saturdays 10-5pm and Sundays 12-6pm all summer . You can pay at the till for your makeover.

Apart from having it applied professionally and lovingly by the Angles, you can also buy their sparkly range of glitter (from £5.50 – £16.50), accessories (from 2.50) and the brand new mix and match gems (£8) if you fancy DIYing on the Shine Shack website and at Missguided.

Plus, you can catch them at festivals this summer and they are available for private booking – parties and functions: just get in touch and they will have a package to suit you

On top of it all, crushes and love of glitter aside (which might make me biased as I barely managed to remove it all from my face and body as I wrote this), it is amazing to see young, talented women working hard doing what they love,  succeeding and spreading happiness in the process. It is inspiring and empowering and I am a fan, unashamedly.

You might as well just go and follow them on Instagram @shineshack: it will add that extra glam sparkle to your feed!

written by Dani

Yes, I was invited and was lucky to be offered the glitter makover for myself and Carol. But I love the guys and would recommend 10 times over. 

 

We are better together: Carol Aquino for 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.

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.

The Christmas jumper edition 2016

I’ve been a total bah-humbug this season; I love Christmas but many factors in my life this year somehow don’t make me feel like being suuuuuper festive.

Yeah, well done universe from stripping the Christmas spirit from one of the biggest Christmas lover.

Having said that, I cannot resist a good Xmas jumper, so here is my selection, just in time for the last leg of office parties and of course, Christmas jumper day, the 16th December.

primark-treePrimark always delivers on the Christmas jumper (and great price tag) front. Although there are many great ones (even a little santa/elf dress), I have to go for this little black jumper. With a Christmas tree. WHICH LIGHTS UP. £16.

topshopTopshop keeps it stylish with this pretty metallic star jumper which won’t look out of place after Christmas. £55.

missguidedI love a naughty jumper and Missguided always have one. This is £18.

The selection at Boohoo is fabulous – from naughty to nice and going through the quirky, I could not just pick one – so here is this adorable reindeer (£15), the loved up emoji (£12) and Festive AF (£15).

asos-kissA few cute ones over at ASOS, including pretty pastel plus size ones. My pick goes to the mistletoe (£18 on sale).

nextIf you are looking for classy Xmas jumpers, head to next; I picked this Christmas pudding (£26) one, which is just too adorable!

river-islandTalking about classy ones, how about this polar bear (£25) number from River Island in non-christmassy black grey and pink? So cute!

F&F for Tesco has jumpers for the whole family, and the prices are good too. My pick? This #Elfie (£14) that comes with a headband, pointy ears and all. Had to be done.

matalanLove? I’ll have my share in wine, thank you very much. Matalan (£15) said it!

peacocksThis Peacocks number is telling us exactly what we want to hear: calories don’t count at Christmas (£22). It is a long line jumper so can double up as a dress.

And conceal the bulge from the multiples Xmas meals and drinks. Just saying.

amazonI could not resist adding this pretty nerdy fox one from Whispering Smith & Bravesoul at Amazon (£18.50-20).

newlookAlso too cute too pass is this loved up reindeer jumper from New Look (14.99). Everyone: aaaaaw <3.

asdaFinally, George at Asda has come up with this sparkly fairy festive jumper (£12). So popular that is only available is larger sizes now, but I would probably buy and wear oversized!

Personally, although the options are very lovely, I think last year’s Christmas jumper game was stronger….

What about you? Found any Xmas jumper you love?

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Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: You shall go to the ball

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-5What’s better than a fabulous little black number for a ball? Well, not much really.

I was lucky enough to wear the stunning Peggy Hartanto Aegean dress in black, kindly lent to me by The Apartment at London Fashion Week.

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-1And yes, I went to the fabulous China Ball at the stunning Natural History Museum. I was honoured to be dancing with Dippy, the Diplodocus, which will be retired from the grand hall at the end of this year.

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-6This dress has very classic lines; a full A-line skirt with some modern twists, like the deep neckline and tied at the waist, for extra definition. The quality and finish are superb!

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-3The satin fabric is heavy and thick, making it fall perfectly but also nipping in to the right places for a structured, clean silhouette.

Peggy Hartanto is an Indonesian designer who studied fashion in Australia and her beautiful collections are indeed based on clean lines, bold colours and innovative use of fabrics and construction.

I accessorised it with my Lulu Guinness black lips clutch, Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies Python Mika, Christian Louboutin lipstick and plenty of gold accessories.

There was downside to wearing this gorgeous dress: I had to give it back the day after. Cry.

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Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: the wide-legged trousers

so-many-lovely-things-7-of-11Recently I became obsessed with these wide legged trousers. When I say recently, add around 6 months.

After years constricting ourselves into skinnies, my pins welcome the freedom and breeze of these babies.

so-many-lovely-things-6-of-11This particular pair is a fantastic cut for my body shape: high waisted, flowy and skimming the bum. It doesn’t pinch too much at the waist, just the right amount. Just flattering and perfect.

These Forever 21 bargain trousers are so versatile it’s not even funny – they do day, evening, flats, heels, summer and winter without any effort. I always feel elegant on them.

so-many-lovely-things-1-of-11Here, I paired them up with a netted (super) crop tee from Topshop, which add a bit of informality to the attire.

so-many-lovely-things-9-of-11These silver block heels are amazing. Also very versatile, a manageable heel height for every day and super comfortable leather from Kurt Geiger.

The shoes are a very easy way to add some metallics to the outfit without being too out there.

so-many-lovely-things-10-of-11Statement sunglasses were in order for this hot day in London – and Le Specs does it effortlessly, for a pocket friendly price.

so-many-lovely-things-5-of-11I wore a basic day makeup (escaped from the office to  do the shoot), red lips, plenty of rings and my Mulberry Lily bag.

And I had the best time with the wonderfully talented Sarah Bacchus, the photographer from 2Boxes Photography.

She made me feel so comfortable, was fabulous at directing and getting the best shots out of me.

so-many-lovely-things-3-of-11She was also very speedy, making the lunch break shoot a fun and smooth reality!

2Boxes does styling sessions, but also amazing photography of all types – wedding, children, events, fashion… name it and it will be done in a magical and professional matter.

My wide-legged trousers joy was captured brilliantly!

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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-5This 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.

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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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