Wednesday Wishlist #10

What's this? A Wednesday Wishlist with not an item of clothing in sight, don't worry I haven't lost my fashion mojo (tell me I'm not the only one thinking of Austin Powers right now) but as Craig and I are in the process of buying our first abode I thought I'd share with you the homeware pieces that I'm currently lusting after instead. In other news it's just one sleep until I go on holiday with my boy for fourteen days of sun, can you tell I'm excited? I won't be posting whilst I'm away but you can follow me on Instagram (cagneyandlace) where a few cheeky snaps will undoubtedly pop up. I promise to return from my break refreshed and ready for blogging duty, that's a Cagney and Lace promise.

1. Someone Somewhere Loves You Cushion £6.99 - Reassuring message aside, how cute is this cushion cover from H&M? Not only is it a bargain, giving you enough change from £10 to go and buy that home magazine but it would fit in perfectly with the cottage-luxe theme I'm going for in our new home. I love how such a simple accessory can add real personality to your abode, perfect if you're renting the place you call home or you're a student.

2. Sommarfint Glass 75p -  Pink flamingos, on a glass...need I say anymore? These definitely don't fit under the cottage-luxe umbrella but they are incredibly kitsch and fun. I can imagine drinks tasting so much better when devoured from one these beauties - oh Ikea Marketplace, you never let me down.

3. Emmie Land Quilt Cover Set £20 - From the moment I laid my eyes on this quilt cover set I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, mad I know but I'm obsessed with the blue and white toile print which is not only gracing the high street but also the home market. C and I have already picked up a vintage blue and white plate set but why should the dining room have all the fun? At £20 for a king size duvet cover and four pillow cases I think this set is exceptional value for money.

4. Neom Enchantment Candle £42 - I've only ever had one Neom candle in my life which managed to fill my living room with the most refreshing scent, since then I've been playing the field sampling Diptyque and White Rooms offerings but I'm still craving my Neom fix. The Enchantment candle has a beautiful back story, think secret walks in a bluebell wood and you'd be on the right track - this may just have to be a house warming gift from me, to me.

5. Getting Ready Rug £12 - Urban Outfitters home section has always been a lot of fun with quirky gifts a plenty but dig a little further and you'll find some real treasures. There selection of rugs is second to none and this Getting Ready one is a real favourite of mine plus it's message is essential for days when my head isn't screwed on.

6. Dog Days Cocktail Napkin £8 - How cute are these dog days napkins? Sure they're a tad pricey for disposable napkins but sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference. These would be a sweet addition to our housewarming BBQ which we're planning to host (weather permitting of course). Dogs and flamingos, what other animals will find their way into our home? We might as well rename it Noah's ark.

7. James Brown Jeweller Print £65 - Artwork is something that's very subjective and personal to any home but this James Brown print from Bloomsbury in Bath is right up my street. For me this jewellery store print hits the perfect balance between masculine and feminine - I can already picture this hanging in our guest bedroom ensuring sweet jewellery-related dreams.

8. Fringed Blanket £59.99 - I adore the mix of colours in this chunky blanket and love how bringing different textures together in your living area can make the space feel extra cosy. I can already imagine curling up on the sofa, laptop on knee with this blanket wrapped around me. Forget slankets, give me a bit of Zara Home!

9. Frames Wallpaper £18 - Is this not the most dreamy wallpaper you've ever seen? I must admit I've been a huge fan of the Next Home range for a while however my love was cemented when the boy and I decided to buy light fittings for our old flat, the selection was ace and the prices weren't too shabby either. I think this paper would love beautiful in our third bedroom which we're hoping to have as a dressing room/blogging HQ, let's hope the boy thinks it's as cute as I do.

What are your go-to shops for buying homeware? Which of my picks would you like to see in your home?

Don't forget to enter my GlossyBox giveaway which includes the amazing Caudalie Divine oil - it's super easy to enter, just follow me on GFC or Bloglovin and on Twitter. Click here to be in with a chance of winning! 

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COLLECTIVE White Tee Styling Challenge

White Tee: COLLECTIVE* (same throughout all outfits)
Leather Jacket: Zara
Neon Skirt: Sportmax Code from mywardrobe.com
Embellished Necklace: Accessorize
Friendship Bracelet: Links Of London
Raffia Clutch: Primark
Silver Sandals: Zara 

I'm not a believer of fashion rules (there I said it) I think fashion should be something you can enjoy and have fun with, an extension of your personality, an outlet for your creativity. If you want to rock clashing patterns and prints, wear sequins all day long or try black and blue together then I salute you - fashion should be something that makes you feel good. That said I do think every wardrobe should include a few basics, essential pieces form the foundation of any great wardrobe and for me a white t-shirt is one of those necessities so when the lovely people at COLLECTIVE got in touch asking me to style one of their premium white tees in three different ways I was more than game.

My first styling thought was to take the white tee into the unknown and dress it up - typically the white t-shirt has a reputation for being a casual number, not on my ship. For this outfit I went for a smack-you-in-the-face pop of colour with my newly acquired Sportmax Code mini skirt, I adore the vibrant neon shade of this skirt and the super cute black piping. The place of statement neck wear was taken by this silver embellished pendant necklace from Accessorize - bringing the outfit to a close I added my beaut Zara heels, a raffia clutch from Primark, my Links of London friendship bracelet and a trusty leather jacket, definitely another wardrobe essential which can ward off the evening chill.

Rose Gold Necklace: Lux Boutique, Bath
Willow Bag: Mulberry
Multi-coloured Bracelets: H&M
Gold Ring: Astley Clarke
Paisley Jeans: Zara
Sequin Converse: mywardrobe.com

Look number two is a casual look, something I'd wear at the weekend to run errands and possibly eat cupcakes in - although this look is a fairly simple ensemble it has got a few eye catching elements which make it a very me outfit. My COLLECTIVE tee has a lovely loose, relaxed fit which led me to pick a more fitted bottom half in the shape of my beloved paisley blue and white skinnys which are perfect for this in between weather we're experiencing right now. My footwear of choice? The magpie in me had to pick my navy sequinned Converse, which are practical and also make me smile all day long. Finishing touches to this casual get up include a delicate rose gold necklace from Lux Boutique in Bath, a collection of bracelets from H&M, my never-leave-the-house-without Astley Clarke ring and last but never least my Mulberry Willow bag.

Straw Trilby: c/o Swimwear 365
Sequin Blazer & Pink Maxi Skirt: Zara
Gold Band Necklace: Warehouse
Blue Sandals: Office

With the sun making a few cheeky appearances this weekend my final look just had to be a Summer appropriate one - this outfit is something I'd wear to a festival (why oh why do I not have V Festival tickets?) or to a friends BBQ. My COLLECTIVE tee is perfection for the hotter weather we've been experiencing as it's made solely from organic cotton and tencil which are 100% biodegradable and fully recyclable so not only is my tee lightweight but eco-friendly, easy brownie points for me.

I created my favourite look of the day (well it was inevitable) by tucking my white tee into a blush pink maxi skirt from Zara with cheeky side splits before adding this show stopper of a jacket, courtesy of my mums wardrobe - in my defense she barely wears it! Keeping things bright I added a pair of elasticated electric blue sandals from Office, a simple gold band necklace from Warehouse and my straw trilby from the kind folk at Swimwear365 which is fast becoming my new favourite accessory. 

How would you style a COLLECTIVE white tee? Which outfit is your favourite?

*The white tee was kindly sent to me by COLLECTIVE.

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Selfridges' Summer Beauty Box

The sun is shining, the weather is sweet (thanks Bob) so I personally couldn't think of a better time to give you all the low down on one of my latest beauty splurges - the limited edition Selfridges' Summer Beauty Box. Now I know what you're thinking guys, Hannah you do not need another box full of beauty miniatures but what can I say? When the words Selfridges, limited edition and beauty box were dangled in front of me like the proverbial carrot I just had to get part of my five-a-day intake there and then! So when an invite for the Swimwear 365 event landed in my inbox I knew an evening in Manchester would be the perfect time to Click and Collect one of these yellow wonders.

As the name would suggest the Summer Beauty Box is packed to the rafters with luxurious must haves to get you Summer ready. What I love about the Selfridges beauty boxes is that you can actually see what's inside them before you buy, one of my main issues with most monthly subscription boxes. My favourite picks are the tried and tested Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray - perfect for getting those coveted beachy waves, the Models Own neon nail polish - can you believe I've never tried a Models Own polish before? Another product which gets a huge thumbs up is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir which not only smells divine but is actually an item from my to-repurchase list. Notable mentions go to the Lancaster After Sun and Aqua Splash Tangle Teezer which will be perfect for my holiday, just six days to go!

As much as I loved the Valentines themed beauty box which Selfridges brought out last I do think this box of Summery goodness pips it to the post - no need for a photo finish either guys, this box is the one. For twenty five of my fine English pounds I find this to be really good value too, especially when for £22 you could buy just the Tangle Teezer and the Caudalie Beauty Elixir.  

Unfortunately this box has now sold out on-line but if you fancy getting your mitts on a beauty box for free then just enter my giveaway here to win a GlossyBox....what are you waiting for?

Have you bought a beauty box before? What do you think to my Selfridges' Summer Beauty Box?

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New In: Zara Jacquard Pattern Top

It's been a while since I've ventured into a Zara and I promise it's nothing to do with this seasons collection - in case you've been stuck under a rock, Zara is on fire this Spring/Summer with even the most sane person being able to make a case for purchasing half the shop. Sadly I'm having to really think about what I'm buying at the moment, not only am I off on holiday next Thursday but C and I are finally buying a house so no more trolley dashes in Zara for me.

This beaut of a top is actually the result of an exchange (where I couldn't find the receipt for my original purchase) so I just had to buy something else, what a shame - I wonder what psychotherapists would have to say about this behaviour? Actually I don't want to know! This blue jacquard top got an instant yes as soon as I popped it over my head in the fitting room - although it's fairly thick material for Summer it's perfect for the unpredictable English weather - not forgetting the bloomin' delightful pattern AND the fact that I can see this going with everything from denim cut offs and Converse to floaty maxi skirts and tough-ass sandals. A multi purpose, hard working, day to night top? Wardrobe says yes.

Have you been venturing into Zara lately? What have you been buying?

For all you lovelies that didn't know I'm currently running a giveaway to celebrate reaching two hundred GFC followers. The prize? A seriously awesome GlossyBox including the infamous Caudalie Divine Oil. You can enter very easily, just click here.

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GlossyBox Giveaway For Reaching 200 Followers

I'm sure you guys will know by now how much I adore beauty samples - is there anything better than trying a newbie before taking the plunge into the unknown? I think not! Beauty boxes are a great way to give products a try but I'm not a huge fan of not knowing what I'm getting so let me take the surprise factor away... To celebrate reaching two hundred GFC followers (woop woop, thanks everyone!) I'm giving away the May Glossybox complete with Caudalie Divine Oil, Jelly Pong Pong Mascara, L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream and other beauty-licious goodies (yes I just said beauty-licious).

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is the following:

1. You must follow me on GFC, if you're not already then what are you waiting for? If you don't have GFC then you can follow on Bloglovin - my fave way to follow all my daily reads!

2. You must follow me on Twitter, which you can do here

Once you've ticked both of these boxes simply leave me a comment below with your name, your blog url/GFC name and your Twitter name. For example: 

Hannah

www.cagneyandlace.com/ Cagneyandlace

@CagneyAndLace

I can then check all the entries on the closing date and pick a winner at random. The giveaway is open until Friday 28th June and a winner will be announced shortly after - this giveaway is open to UK entrants only.

Good luck and thank you for helping me get to two hundred GFC followers!

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Looking Back At: May

My motto for the month of May - Hospital sweets - My new baby, Willow - Peanut butter and jam cupcake? Yes please - Lunch Gemma style - Beautiful get well flowers - Testing testing one two three - Travel essentials - Mystery flowers - The sun's finally here - Things get arty at MAC - Look what my Dad picked me up - Mexican O'Clock - My blogging assistant - Besotted with baby Freddie - It's love with Rimmel

It's here guys, a new feature! I love reading some of my favourite bloggers weekly round up style posts so I thought I'd bring monthly ones to Cagney and Lace - FYI I'm cagneyandlace on Instagram or you can find me here. May was probably one of the toughest months this year has thrown at me so far but in the words of Elton, I'm still standing, yeah yeah yeah (no I haven't just found this on iTunes and started playing it). Having said all that May has had some amazing high points too including a gloriously hot bank holiday weekend, one of my dearest friends giving birth to baby Freddie and Craig and I having an offer accepted on our first house (too exciting!)

May Favourites - This month one of my favourites has got to be my Clarisonic, bought for my birthday. I'd be umming and ahhhing for a while as to whether I should buy one and then my parents very kindly bought me one for turning twenty five. Dry patches that I once had on my chin and blackheads on my nose (sexy) are now a thing of the past since I've started using this every other evening with my Eve Lom cleanser. 

Notable mentions go to my Revive Moisturising Renewal Cream, it's expensive but a beaut and my Rimmel Salon Pro polish in Hip Hop - everything from the brush to the colour range and even the price is spot on.

Favourite You Tube Video - I don't think I've watched more You Tube videos than I did in the month of May so I feel more than qualified to share my favourites with you. Lisa Eldridges Fuschia-licious Lip Tutorial was the one that kick started my lust for a certain item whilst Caroline Hirons chat with the Pixiwoo sisters was one of those life affirming videos where you realise the worth of skincare. If you haven't already watched both then I challenge you to, call it Cagney and Lace homework if you will.

Lusting After - There's been some serious hype about this one but if Lisa Eldridge, Estee, Anna and my friend Claire all love it then it needs to be in my life, I'm talking about the Dior BB Cream...I'm feeling a duty free airport purchase coming on.

What have you been loving in the month of May?

With only a few days left I'd be beyond thrilled if you'd vote for me in the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards sponsored by Next. I've been blogging for less than a year so hop on over to the Next site here and vote for Cagney and Lace in the Newcomer Award.

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Swimwear 365 Beach Blogger Party

Mojito O'Clock

Blogging babes Joanna and Sindy

Anyone for Hawaiian print?

A fave of mine - what a beautiful colour and shape

Bloggers Picks - can you spot my island print pick?

It'd be rude not to...

Flaming Cocktails with (L-R) Victoria, Ashleigh, Sindy and Joanna

Well hello June, how crazy is it that we're now half way through two thousand and thirteen? One things for sure, June won't get a more welcome reception than one from me - in just twelve days Craig and I are off on a jet plane for two weeks of R&R, June you're already looking good! One thing that's already on mind is what to pack for my holiday and more importantly what swimwear to take so the Swimwear 365 Beach Blogger Party in Manchester last week couldn't have come at a better time.

On arrival at Revolucion De Cuba we were treated to Hawaiian style garlands of flowers and cocktails, it'll come as no surprise that I opted for a classic mojito! The Swimwear 365 collection is incredibly diverse with a bikini or one piece available to suit any body shape or fashion style - my picks of the evening include a Herve Leger style  bandage swimsuit in a beautiful sea blue shade and an island print ombre two piece, both would look amazing on my fast approaching break to Kefalonia. Another one piece that caught my eye was a leopard print number with a black mesh top, what can I say? I adore leopard print!

Not content with providing cocktails, a beautiful swimwear collection for our perusal and cheeky nibbles the Swimwear 365 team also set up a mini manicure station for bloggers to get their nails done, what a sweet idea. Meeting and chatting to fellow bloggers is fast becoming one of my favourite past times at events and I met some lovely girls including Ashleigh, Sindy, Joanna and Victoria (who only went and won a Company Blogger Award this week, well done miss!)

Not wanting to miss my train home I said my farewells, not before setting a few cocktails a light and taking blog worthy pictures that is. Swimwear 365 were incredibly generous and gave us all a goodie bag full of holiday essentials - I got a super cute straw hat which you can see me rocking here. I'd like to say a huge thank you to all the team at Swimwear 365 for making me feel so welcome and to the guys at Carat Media.

Do you prefer wearing a one piece of a bikini? Have you ever shopped at Swimwear 365?

If you love reading Cagney and Lace as much as I love writing it then I'd be elated if you'd vote for me in the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards sponsored by Next. I've been blogging for less than a year so hop on over to the Next site here and vote for Cagney and Lace in the Newcomer Award.

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