Tis the Season to Sparkle // Outfit of the Day

Tis the Season to Sparkle // It's the most wonderful time of the year - the season to sparkle! Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year when it comes to fashion. It's the time of year when everyone is looking their best, putting on their party clothes and dressing up for the festive season ahead. Whether it's the office Christmas party, Christmas eve drinks in the pub with old school friends or spending time with family on Christmas day, there are so many reasons to be dressed up over the next few weeks...

Little Black Dress LBD // Outfit Of The Day

Little Black Dress // Roll up, roll up ladies and gentlemen. Feast your eyes upon the most perfect Little Black Dress that you will find this Christmas season. Okay, wow. Just look at this beauty. I mean, wow. I fell instantly in love with this classic little black dress from one of my favourite online stores, LOTD.com. The brand very kindly sent me a few of their new season pieces and this LBD is the cream of the crop, the creme de la creme, the most gorgeous dress. 

Lace Flare Sleeve Top // Outfit Of The Day

Lace Flare Sleeve Top // Happy Sunday guys, hope you're having a great weekend. I'm really excited to be sharing another look from my new favourite online retail store, LOTD.com. I was lucky enough to be sent a few pieces from the fashion brand {see my other outfits here and here}, but this lace flare sleeve top could possibly be my favourite! When I first spotted it on the gorgeous model, I knew it had to be mine. I mean, it seems to compass so many elements that I look for in clothing right now: Lace - check. Floral - check. Flute sleeves - check. Seriously, what is not to love? 

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward // Book Review 2017

"I like to think I know what death is. I like to think that it's something I could look at straight."

Red Frill Sleeve Top // Outfit of the Day

Frill Sleeve Top // Hello lovelies, hope you're having a great weekend. Now, you'll know by now that I absolutely love to discover new online fashion brands, particularly ones that offer stylish products on a student budget. I was thrilled to come across LOTD.com, a new fashion site that offers just that. LOTD.com (Look Of The Day.Com) showcase a wide variety of lovely items ranging from going out tops, casual day dresses, and perfect outfits for the fast approaching Christmas party season. The lovely team behind LOTD.com got in touch with me a few days ago and very kindly offered me the chance to try on some of their clothes. Let me tell you, it was a difficult decision trying to narrow down my options, I could have bought the whole shop, haha! :-)

Black and White Gingham // Outfit of the Day

Black and White Gingham // Hello loves, hope you've had a good week? Well, I am exceptionally late to the 'summer gingham' party - this trend was huge a few months back but seemed to just pass me by... Anyways, I've had this dress in my wardrobe for a number of years now (it's a good thing patterns like gingham are forever in fashion...) and thought I'd wear it on an outing into town a couple of weeks back. Since summer ended a looooong time ago (when on earth did it become November?!?!), I paired my dress with my trusty black cardigan from good, old Primark (and, of course, a big thick coat, not pictured!). This cardigan has honestly been my wardrobe staple/ lifesaver. There have been so many times that the cardigan has helped to make an outfit look instantly chic and smart - I actually call this my 'lucky' cardigan, as I tend to wear it to job interviews and, even though sometimes I didn't end up getting the job, at least I know I looked good... ;-) 

Oasis Paisley Dress // Outfit of the Day

Oasis Paisley Dress // Hello lovelies, I hope you're having a great weekend. I'm sharing another blue outfit today (you can see my last outfit here). Over the last few months, I've enjoyed incorporating more blue items into my wardrobe, as it was never a colour I wore much of in the past. This paisley print dress from Oasis has become one of my favourites though. It looks really smart for work but can easily be dressed up for a night out with the girls.

Autumn at Go Ape // TreeTops Adventure at Crathes Castle 2017

Autumn at Go Ape // I've always been a bit of a thrill seeker, and having been born and raised in Scotland, I'm also a big lover of the great outdoors! Last week, I was contacted by the team at Go Ape, who challenged me to experience their Tree Tops Adventure course at the idyllic Crathes Castle site in Aberdeenshire. I jumped (quite literally) at this opportunity - I've heard so many amazing stories about Go Ape from friends and family, and was dying to try it out for myself. I was told to gather my tribe and head into the wilderness, where adventure would await us... 

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini // Book Review 2017

"I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near the frozen creek. That was a long time ago, but it's wrong what they say about the past, I've learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realise I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years."

Silver Glitter Dress // Outfit of the Day

Silver Glitter Dress // Morning lovelies, how has your week been? I can't honestly believe it's been four weeks since my friend Rachel married her long term love Paul. It was such a wonderful day filled with happy tears and colourful confetti. If you follow me on Instagram (@electricsunrise), then you've probably already seen my outfit and the hundreds of photos of the actual wedding and the downright gorgeous bride. For those that haven't seen my outfit yet, I thought I'd turn it into a blog post  - after all, I'm absolutely obsessed with this dress and had to share it with you all.

Filofax Notebooks Review 2017

Filofax Notebooks // Happy Wednesday! It's almost time to go back to school (or university in my case #PhDStudent), so what could be better than treating yourself to some brand new stationery? The guys over at FiloFax have just launched a wonderful notebook collection, perfect for any stationery lovers out there. The collection features a wide range of vibrant colours and designs to choose from, and with refillable pages, these new notebooks will fit perfectly with existing Filofax journals and diaries - how brilliant is that?! I have very kindly received two notebooks to review on this old blog of mine, so keep on reading to hear my thoughts...

My Life In Pictures // Instagram

Instagram // Hello loves, how are you doing? It's been a while since I've shared some Instagram snaps with you all. Even if I go a little quiet on here, you can guarantee I've probably posted on my Instagram account, it's funny that isn't it? Anyways, here's a combination of some yummy treats, pretty flowers and some fabulous butterflies that called our garden home over the summer. Also, can you tell that I like coffee?...

New Season Wardrobe Inspiration 2017

New Season Wardrobe // It's that time of year again! Yup, that's right. Slowly but surely, it's now Autumn. So, it's time to ditch the thin summer dresses and get stocked up on cozy jackets, chunky knits and winter boots. I really love putting together a product wish list and it's the type of post that I used to feature quite a lot on this blog (100 points if you remember the 'Lust List'?). I realised I hadn't done one of these posts in a while, so here we go! I thought with the arrival of the new season, this would be perfect timing to share some Autumn fashion inspiration. I've chosen a collection of products from various brands including All Saints, Miss Selfridge, River Island, Topshop, Reformation, etc, etc. You can click on each item and it will take you to the product page, you can thank me later ;-)

Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice | Book Review 2017

"I see..." said the vampire thoughtfully, and slowly he walked across the room towards the window. For a long time he stood there against the dim light from Divisadero Street and the passing beams of traffic. The boy could see furnishings of the room more clearly now, the round oak table, the chairs. A wash basin hung on one wall with a mirror. He set his brief case on the table and waited."

Monsoon Floral Freida // Outfit of the Day

Floral Frieda // Do you ever come across a piece of clothing that you just feel was designed specifically for you? I spotted this floral mix dress in the Monsoon sale last week and nearly gave out a little scream - I just loved it that much! Everything from the pattern, to the length, to the subtle bell sleeves, to the comfy stretch material - this dress just had my name written all over it. It's actually so rare for me to go into town these days and wander through the shops searching for bargains - you'll know I'm such an eBay / Charity shop kind-of-gal... but after shopping in town that day, I actually came home with eight (yes, 8!) new dresses, haha! It's true, a girl can never have too many...

Broderie Anglaise Dress // Outfit of the Day

Broderie Anglaise // hello loves, hope you've had a great week. I've spent the last few days staring out the window at the grey Scottish rain, dreaming of the warm, hot sun of central Europe... I came across these pictures on my phone, taken last month on a rare day of sunshine... I had completely forgotten to post them earlier, and it made me feel depressed about the weather - yet again! I wish I could wear simple, summer dresses all year round, and not have to worry about thick tights and carrying an umbrella with me everywhere I go...

Embroidered Top - Outfit of the Day

Embroidered Top // Happy Sunday! I have a quick outfit post for you all today. As you'll probably know by now, I really love to hold onto my clothes and continue wearing them for years and years. I've never been one to follow trends and fads, and I like to think I'm doing my bit to save the planet by reusing and re-wearing my clothes as much as possible. I've had this white and black embroidered top from H&M for years now - I remember picking it up from a summer sale for £7 and just knew it would be sticking around for a while. With it's lovely design and shape, it's a great piece to have for any formal occasion. Only problem is though, it kind of needs to be worn with jeans, and as you'll also probably know by now, jeans are not for me...

Lanzarote Travel Diary // Canary Islands Holiday 2017 - Part One

Lanzarote, Canary Islands // Welcome to the land of Blue. My boyfriend and I spent an idyllic 10 day holiday in the Canary Islands and I wanted to share some of the snaps that I took whilst we were away. It was the first time either of us had been in the Canaries and we were instantly impressed with the great weather - the sunshine was constantly beating down with very little clouds in the sky. We went at the beginning of May and it was already reaching 25-28 degrees ... I can only imagine what it must be like when full summer hits... bliss! I was amazed at the landscape in Lanzarote - it can only be described as prehistoric, with old volcanos situated all across the place. The island is known for it's volcanic soil and black ash/ rocks - however, I was taken aback at how blue the entire island was and I think you can see that reflected in the photos...

Playa Blanca // We stayed in the popular seaside resort of Playa Blanca. I think it's smaller and quieter than some of the other resorts on the island, for example Puerto Carmen, but it was a great area full of shops, restaurants, bars and more importantly, the beach. The island is really small so it's easy to travel about, either by car or by bus. 

Puerto Calero // I would really recommend travelling around the island, particularly to the idyllic seaside towns. Puerto Calero is between Puerto Carmen and Playa Blanca - spend time wandering around the marina and enjoy a drink or two at any of the seaside restaurants and bars.

Papagayo Beach // This beach has got to be one of the most gorgeous places I've ever been. Hands down. It was such a wonderful place to spend an afternoon sunbathing and swimming in the sea. Be aware of the awful road that takes you there though - you have to travel for about 10 miles on this horrendous off-road track - we were really scared that the tyres on our rental car were going to blow. The local council should really think about investing in a proper road - other than that though, it's a fabulous place and very memorable. 

The Sunsets // Every evening there was a dramatic sunset, which was a wonderful thing to experience. The colours were so intense and bright, as you can see in the picture below... #NoFilter...

I think sometime in the near future I will plan a 'What to do in Lanzarote' type post, as Owen and I had some very memorable experiences... For now, I just wanted to quickly share some holiday snaps and share the love for this beautiful place. Keep your eyes peeled for Part Two soon!

Have you been to Lanzarote before? Let me know in the comments below. 

More soon,

Helen

x

See with IOLLA - Review of Scottish Eyewear Brand 2017

IOLLA EYEWEAR // Happy Wednesday, hope you're having a great week so far! You might remember back in December, I discovered that my eyesight was going a bit funny... I realised after a quick eye test, that I needed to start wearing glasses. Ahhhhhhh!! As someone who has always prided themselves on their 'absolutely amazing 20/20' vision, I did not take this news lightly. Since then, I've been on the search for some stylish glasses that will suit my big face and wonky nose... and I've found them - ladies and gentlemen, I'm thrilled to introduce you all to Glasgow based company, IOLLA, who have managed to answer all my eyewear prayers.

Bruce Glasses in the colour 'Plum'

Black and White Dress - Outfit of the Day

Black and White Dress // Happy Sunday! I hope you've had a great weekend so far. I'm sharing a quick outfit post today - this time, I want to show you guys a dress I got from my local charity shop for £1... Yes that's right, £1! You guys know I love a bargain, and although this dress is an old design from H&M, I couldn't resist. I am trying to wear more colour lately, as I always seem to throw on some monochrome clothes, but I really loved this dress paired with a simple black cardigan and tights. 

Black and Yellow // Outfit of the Day

Black and Yellow // Happy sunday! I hope you've had a great week so far. Well, it's official... summer is over in Scotland. This past week it has felt more like October than the beginning of July... remind me  to move to a warmer country in the very near future... I feel like I need to go on another holiday asap - I'm sick of looking out the window and seeing rain... Anyways, on a more positive note, I wanted to share a bright and colourful outfit (for obvious reasons) to cheer myself up and inject a bit of colour into the dull, grey days. 

My Life in Pictures // Instagram

Instagram // Happy Friday! I'm excited to share another dose of daily pictures with you all - I love sharing a wide variety of pictures - maybe it's my breakfast or lunch, maybe there's a gorgeous bunch of flowers growing in the garden or maybe I want to tell you about the book that I've been reading ... Instagram allows me to share very quick snippets of my everyday life, which might not always be featured on here... 

The Best Instagram Stores for your Last-Minute Holiday Buys 2017

Instagram Stores // I love Instagram just as much as the next person, and I love it whenever the creators bring out a new feature. First it was 'LikeToKnowIt', then it was 'Instagram Stories' and now you can literally purchase the clothes you see through Instagram... technology amazes me sometimes! Anyways I thought I'd share some of my favourite Instagram stores, perfect for anyone looking for some last-minute holiday inspiration...

You can't beat online shopping for those last-minute holiday purchases - with offers such as next-day delivery and free returns, it's the easiest way to get your wardrobe holiday ready without spending hours and hours trawling through the shops. Instagram stores make it even easier for the shopaholics out there - you can literally shop when you're scrolling. Keep reading to check out some of the top Instagram stores to try... 

{ image sourced from Pinterest }

Romwe White Lace Top // Outfit of the Day

Romwe White Lace Top // Happy Sunday! I'm really excited to show you all my new white lace top from online brand, Romwe. I hadn't really heard of this brand before and so when they got in touch, I was intrigued to review some of their items... I opted for this cute white top with lace detailing - just look at those sleeves! I think this top could be perfect for those summer BBQs or chilled out Sunday brunch... Even dressed up, it would be great for the office or any formal occasion... Keep reading to read and see more!

How to spend 24 hours in Glasgow, Scotland 2017

Glasgow, Scotland // Hello lovelies, hope you've had a great week so far. I'm sharing a travel post about one of my favourite Scottish cities, Glasgow. As someone who has lived in Scotland their whole life, I know that it's very easy to forget just how wonderful the place is. I think it's always worthwhile taking a moment to appreciate your own surroundings and enjoy being a tourist in your own country. I've loved many opportunities in the past to enjoy adventures around Scotland (see my previous posts about Stornoway, Caithness and Edinburgh), but today I'd like to shine a light on, and share the love for, Glasgow. 

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest city, bursting with culture, exciting things to see and do, oh and let's not forget the delicious food spots and eateries.... so, let's start! 

Mini In The Box Jewellery Review 2017

Mini In The Box Jewellery Review // Hello loves, hope you've had a great week. I'm really excited to share some costume jewellery from online boutique, Mini In The Box with you all. Those who know me, know that I'm an absolute sucker for costume jewellery, particularly necklaces. I'm slowing but surely growing a huge collection of statement pieces - most of which I've found on eBay at a bargain price. The right jewellery can help to transform the simplest of outfits, and it's always such a great investment if you can't afford a whole new outfit. I was really excited to select some items to review, keep reading to hear my thoughts... 

Monochrome Flowers // Outfit of the Day

Monochrome Flowers // So I really wasn't lying when I said I own about 100 black and white floral print dresses... but can a girl really have too many? I think this print is really classic, perfect for any occasion and will stand the test of time - quite literally - I've actually owned this River Island dress for about three years now and it's still going strong... 

Sony Xperia XZ and DIY App Review 2017

Sony Xperia XZ by Vodafone UK // As you’ll know from my previous post [here] I am a big fan of Apple products. I always have been – my first ‘proper’ smartphone was the iPhone 3GS which kept me going until the winter of 2015, when I finally gave in and decided to purchase an iPhone 6 – and I’ll probably wait 3 more generations before I switch again… But before the age of smart phones, let’s not forget the epic Sony Ericsson phones that pretty much everyone had in the school playground. I remember I had the most amazing purple phone that would light up at the sides whenever I got a text or a call and if I'm being honest, I wish I was still using that phone today… Nevertheless my friends, the purple Sony Ericsson’s of the past have grown up  - let me introduce you to…. The Sony XZ.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin // Book Review 2017

Eilis Lacy, sitting at the window of the upstairs living room in the house on Friary Street, noticed her sister walking briskly from work. She watched Rose crossing the street from sunlight into shade, carrying the new leather handbag that she had bought in Clery's in Dublin in the sale. Rose was wearing a cream-coloured cardigan over her shoulders. Her golf clubs were in the hall; in a few minutes, Eilis knew, someone would call for her and her sister would not return until the summer evening had faded. 

Anne Klein Diana Chain Handbag Review 2017

Anne Klein Handbag // Hello loves, I've been a little 'out of the loop' lately. Ever since I got back from holiday, my blogging pattern has been a bit funny, but I'm finally back in the swings of things. I thought I'd show you guys my new black and gold handbag from Anne Klein. This was actually a surprise present from my boyfriend, who very kindly chose this wonderful accessory. Those that know me, know that I love any accessory that is black and gold - it's just such a classic combination! I love that this bag is similar to some of the Gucci bags out there at the moment, but my gorgeous lion logo beats them hands down - just look  at how cute it is! Love, love, love! 

Anne Klein // Diana Double Flap Chain Handbag