Mother’s Day Luxury Gift Guide

Well that came around quickly! With so little time to prepare after Valentine’s Day, I have put together a last minute luxury gift guide to include items that will easily be delivered in time for the big day. Click on any of the links for further details.

Liberty Print Wash Bag, £45 

This coated cotton wash bag is so beautiful and a sure winner for Mother’s Day, it has 2 large see through zipped compartments and can be hung on the wall with an optional hook.

Roberts Revival Radio, John Lewis £169 

The ultimate retro accessory with all the modern day technology, perfect for the bedroom or kitchen. 

 

Tillyanna Personalised Make Up Bag, £16

Spacious enough for all her beauty essentials and compact enough to carry around in her hand bag.

ESPA Overnight Hydration Therapy, £35

Give the gift of beauty sleep! Just launched, this magic cream is to be applied before bed 2 – 3 times a week to give you visibly hydrated and luminous skin – what mum doesn’t need a bit of that in her life!

 

Shearer Candles, Amazon UK £7 

For a small token gift, you can’t go wrong with a special candle to sit on the mantle piece that will fill the room with a sweet aroma.
Christian Dior Lipstick, £26

All the best things come in small packages! Every mum would be delighted to receive a new luxury lippy and the Dior Baume collection are a personal favourite of mine.

Pepper Alley Metallic Tote Bag, £95

This practical leather tote bag is the perfect gift for a stylish yummy mummy!

Fulton’s Umbrella, Amazon UK £22

This stylish umbrella is the perfect accessory on the school run, just in time for the April showers!

The White Company Scent Diffuser, £25 

For the mum that loves gifts for the home, The White Company do a huge selection of beautiful diffusers and candles. 

Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery, £140 

Carrie Elizabeth have a stunning collection of very special jewellery. This gold locket can be personalised with her initial and has a secret diamond on the back.

Spring Giveaway: WIN a Custom Made Leather Satchel By Brit-Stitch!

With the 70’s vibes making a massive come back for SS15, the miniature satchel is the must-have accessory to own. So what better Spring giveaway than the chance to design your very own hand-made leather satchel by Brit-Stitch – a British brand specialising in luxury leather accessories.

Choose from one of 24 leather satchels from their stunning Half Pint collection which you can view in full here…

OR, make something truly unique and select your favourite combination of colours to design your own! You can see how they do it here…

Perhaps you would like your initials embossed on the buckle to make it personal to you? (BTW I’m so into this look right now!).

You may have already seen on my Instagram that I am the proud owner of a Half Pint in Warm Sand, I honestly can’t recommend these gorgeous little bags enough for their timeless design and flawless quality.

So now for your chance to WIN…

Remember as usual, each way will count as a new entry!

• Follow this blog via email or by hitting the blue follow icon

• Share this post on your Facebook page via the icon below

• ReTweet the relevant update on the Scarlett and Me Twitter page at twitter.com/scarlettandme1

• Tag your most stylish friend on the relevant Instagram pic

• Comment below including the colour of the satchel you would like to win or if you would rather design your own

The extremely lucky winner will be selected and notified on Tuesday 5th May 2015

Good luck! 

xx

My Top 5 Baby Changing Bags for 2015

So being a ‘Bag Girl’ myself, choosing my first ever nappy bag was up there with the most exciting purchases made during my baby shopping frenzy back in 2011 when I was pregnant with Scarlett. I remember seeing the Elizabeth Storksak in tan at John Lewis and it was love at first site. So much so I went on to also get this in red after having Savannah in 2012! Whilst there is plenty of mileage in the old bags yet, with a new baby should come a new bag. Am I right mums!? So these are my Top 5 tried and tested most stylish and practical baby change bags on the high-street.

Pacapod Firenze, £265

If you already follow my Instagram you’ll know what a huge fan I am of this bag. It’s pretty big, so perfect for me with the 3 ‘under 4’s’ I’ll soon be catering for, plus there are endless compartments for your bits and bobs that mean you can’t help but be organised when you leave the house. But let’s face it, it’s the putty colour, the pebble grain leather and the chunky gold details that give this luxury bag the edge. Like all of the Pacapod bags, it is designed with practicality in mind but by no means sacrifices on style to get there. And whilst this might be on the slightly pricy end of the scale, this fabulous shade of grey will see you through every season making the Firenze a very justifiable investment.

Pacapod will be launching the much awaited Madison bag very soon and I am delighted to say I will be one of the first to review it 🙂 So, if you are interested in more from their luxury range, make sure you follow the blog to stay up to date!

Babymel Cara, £58

This is the most gorgeous lightweight bag to see you through Spring / Summer and offers instant Riviera style to a simple jeans and t-shirt combo.  It’s got plenty of storage and its large main compartment makes it incredibly easy to find what you are looking for. The changing mat is large yet compact, you aren’t overwhelmed with too many pockets and for sheer ease of use I would give this bag a 10 out of 10. It is definitely the bag that will be joining me on all of our holidays!

Coco Bow, £190

This brand was recently recommended to me by a fellow blogger, and I have to say I am really impressed! Coco Bow have such a beautiful collection of vintage inspired designs all made in the finest leather, but it is the innovative practicality that set this bag apart as the winner of the Junior Design Awards 2014. It can be worn over the shoulder, as a stylish handbag and even as a back pack making this bag perfect for a mum with more than 1 child. Their SS15 collection will be available from March so I am very excited to see what else they have up their sleeves!

Pink Lining, Not So Plain Jane, Hydrangea, £34.50

Pink Lining have made their mark with their signature Yummy Mummy cup cake motifs, but for a slightly more toned down version of their best sellers – check out the Not So Plain Jane collection. The hydrangea is my favourite print and the hard wearing canvas means the bag always keeps its shape. It has ample storage solutions and a really lovely branded changing mat. All of this and it is currently half price in the sale! It’s a perfect summers baby change bag.

Storksak Elizabeth, £199

I couldn’t very well list my Top 5 and not include my faithful Elizabeth… Since getting mine they have bought them out in a much wider selection of colours and I absolutely love it in Chalk, this is a seriously chic bag that will look equally stylish in the colder months.

Valentine’s Day Giveaway: WIN 1 of 3 Charlotte’s Web Silver Rings!

To celebrate all that is romance, Charlotte’s Web, a beautiful jewellers I discovered on my own online shopping spree, has offered to giveaway 3 of their best selling rings! You  can choose from the Karma Bronze and Silver Spinning Ring, The Rajput Turquoise and Pearl Silver Spinning Ring or the Maharani Silver Spinning Ring. (Click on any of the below images for more pics!). Any of these beautiful rings will look absolutely stunning on a well manicured hand, and with chunky jewellery making a massive come back on last years SS15 runways, they are definitely an accessory to own!

Karma Bronze And Silver Spinning Ring £49

Rajput Turquoise and Pearl Silver Spinning Ring £59

Maharani Silver Spinning Ring £49

Interesting Fact: In ancient traditions silver spinning rings were worn to help reduce tension levels and anxiety. The repetitive motion of playing with a spinning ring can help to relax and calm the mind.

All of these beautiful rings are hand made with only the best quality metals and precious gems. Beautifully wrapped and gift boxed, they make the most perfect Valentine’s gift for your loved one, something special for your daughter or even just as a treat for yourself!

And now for your chance to WIN…

Remember as usual, each way will count as a new entry!

• Share this post on your Facebook page via the icon below

• ReTweet the relevant update on the Scarlett and Me Twitter page at twitter.com/scarlettandme1

• Comment below including the name of the ring you would like to win e.g. Maharani

• Follow this blog via email or by hitting the blue follow icon

The 3 extremely lucky winners will be selected on Thursday 12th February to receive their rings in time for Valentine’s Day!  

Lots of love!

xx

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Her

With such a huge selection of beautiful brands out there all pitching their key products for Valentine’s 2015, I have had to split this feature in to separate His and Hers posts just to fit them all in! So kicking off the love posts, here is my ultimate gift guide For Her this Valentine’s… No need to thank me boys.

Tales From The Earth, Mesh Bracelet, £37.50

I’m a huge fan of this brand and am now always seen wearing this beautiful mesh bracelet in rhodium plated sterling silver. I think almost everyone that has seen it has commented on how beautiful and sparkly it is! Available in rose gold plated, gold plated and rhodium plated they are so reasonably priced and worth every penny. As with all of their products, it will arrive beautifully packaged in a gift box and ribbon, so guys, if you are looking for some serious brownie points this Valentine’s Day – this is the gift to get! Tales From The Earth have put together a very generous discount for the Scarlett and Me readers, enter SCARLBLOG for a whopping 25% off at checkout! (Normal price £50 for the Mesh Bracelet).

Brit-Stitch Satchel, £75

I love this little satchel! It is part of the With Love from Brit-Stitch collection. Available in a huge variety of colours with or without the heart, this is the most perfect start to a woman’s Spring/Summer ’15 collection. I have this hand made satchel in shade ‘warm sand’ which you may have spotted on my Instagram, it is just big enough for your hand bag essentials and also has the option to be personalised with her initials.

Helen Moore, Pom Pom Key Ring, £26

Helen Moore recently hit the headlines when Fern Cotton was spotted wearing one of her iconic multi coloured faux fur scarves. This brand is seriously hot right now and just in time for Valentine’s Day they have this wonderful selection of faux fur pom pom key rings available, perfect for your keys or as a statement accessory on your bag. Get your order in quick though, I’m told these little things are flying off the shelves!

Otago Design, Safari Collection, £95

Otago Design are my first stop for luxury interior accessories. If the woman in your life considers the items in her home objects of art, then this is the brand to discover. I actually spotted the Safari Collection on a Valentine’s Giveaway they are hosting and thought what a special gift they would make (you can enter it here)! Hand crafted in gold plate sand cast brass, these elegant little statues will make a talking point in your room and a romantic story for your loved one to share.

Eve Lom Kiss Mix, £16

Luxury lip balm just sort of seemed relevant to a Valentine’s Day gift post, what can I say! Eve Lom is a truly luxurious skincare brand and if your wife / girlfriend / girl in the office that you have a major crush on is constantly getting her chapstick out then this is a perfect little gift for her.

HEMA Pink Sewing Machine, £59

Random gift!? Well I would love it and hey, it’s pink so totally suitable for Valentine’s Day! If the girl in your life has a passion for needle work then this would make such a thoughtful gift.

Now ladies, once you are done choosing your gifts to subtly drop hints on, scoot on over to the Gifts For Him version of this post!

My AW14 Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

I’ve been stocking up on maternity clothes since I was 7 weeks pregnant and now at almost 18 weeks am finally able to fit into them! I absolutely love maternity wear, pretty much everything is stretchy :). I have several friends pregnant at the moment, all very excited about making their first maternity purchases so promised to put together a list of my ‘can’t live withouts’ to get them started on their shopping. This time around, I have shopped smart and stuck with simple basics that I can accessorise daily for new looks. Click on any image for prices and other colours.

Easy Wear Tops

These wrap tops by JoJo Maman Bébé are such a wise investment because they really do grow with your bump and are incredibly flattering to wear. I’d choose stripes for instant city chic, and a brightly coloured plain wrap to be worn with a contrasting vest underneath for a more casual look. There are loads to choose from!

JoJo Maman Bébé, £29

Basic Tees

Isabella Oliver are in my opinion one of the most luxurious maternity brands out there and as luck would have it, their sales are on… They do truly fabulous long sleeved tees that are totally worth the extra pennies. Go for a couple of muted shades that can be transformed with different accessories.

Isabella Oliver, £31

Best for Jeans

H&M do a fantastic range of maternity clothes that are very reasonably priced. And at less than £15 I don’t know why you’d look anywhere else. They stay up, have pockets and don’t sag at the bum and are seriously comfortable across the bump. Stock up in blue and black and they should see you through!

H&M, £14.99

The Day to Night dress…

This beautiful show stopper by Isabella Oliver is in the sale!!! Perfect for a casual day look with a thick knit cardigan, tights and ankle boots and then to be transformed at night with black patent heels and a clutch. There is a reason this brand is a favourite with the celebs!

Isabella Oliver, £62

 

TIP: When shopping online for maternity wear, check the elastane content in the garments – the higher the better (between 5% and 10%) so they dont lose their shape after a few minutes wear. They are usually more expensive but totally worth the investment as they will last the pregnancy. 

The Useful Tunic

I lived in these JoJo tunics in my last pregnancy, perfect for work and smartening up. You can either wear these with leggings and loafers or tights and boots. Seriously versatile and a dress you are sure to get plenty of wear out of. I wear mine with a skinny belt under the bust to give even more shape.

JoJo Maman Bébé, £35

Accessorising…

The key to smart maternity shopping is to keep things plain so that you can create lots of looks just by changing your scarves, jewellery, shoes, belts etc. and the best thing about accessory shopping is that you can wear these long after your pregnancy. Scarves really will become your best friend over the coming months and in my opinion the best places to get quality without breaking the bank are Zara, H&M and French Connection.

This is a whole lot of monochrome for the money and will go with all of the plain basics above…

Zara, £19.99

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t everything… These are just the staples to get you started. More posts on luxury maternity fashion to follow 🙂