HAIRBANDS, THE NEW HANDBAGS?

Blair Waldorf would be so proud.  Hair bands, hair crowns, hair clips, silk hair scarves.  They've all dominated the fashion world this year and they're still on the rise.  Even Selfridges have increased their hair accessories products by an amazing 700 percent!  From Gucci to Topshop, everyone is stocking them.

But why has this trend suddenly blown up?  One possibility could be that as we become more aware of fast fashion and the affect it's having on our environment, we are making more sustainable fashion choices.

Unless you're buying designer, hair accessories are relatively cheaper than buying a new outfit, especially if you feel under constant pressure to buy new for the 'gram.  Hairbands are an easy way to hide unruly hair, a great alternative the "mum bun" and scrunchies are cool again so whip that hair in a pony girl!

I just find that a glam hair clip, or head crown can jazz up even the most boring of outfits.  A subtle pony tail can look just that little bit more chic if you add a scarf.  So many ways to wear them and so many styles.  There are hundreds of tutorials on You Tube teaching you how to wear a head scarf, or ways to style your hair and then add accessories.

If a full on embellished head band on the school run isn't your thing, just switch up your usual hair grips for one with a little sparkle or simple ribbon or scrunchie.

Always ask yourself, what would Blair Waldorf do?

Love

Victoria
x

A DOGS TALE

'Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole'

Are you a dog person?  Isn't everyone deep down a dog person?  To me dogs are the most wonderful animals on the planet.  I own horses, dogs, cats and goats, but nothing is as special as that bond between you and your dog.

The day we adopted him

We adopted buster 7 years ago from Hope Rescue.  We didn't care what breed, what colour, what size dog we had.  We just wanted a dog that suited our lifestyle and vice versa.  After filling in adoptions forms and having a home check, Hope Rescue suggested the dogs they had at the time that would  be most suitable.  We visited Buster first, a six month old collie cross ands immediately fell in love.  Buster had been in a foster home so they were able to test him with cats and other dogs, he was already toilet trained and had been neutered.

He is the kindest most loving dog I have ever owned.  My companion on many an adventure with  the horses, a surrogate mum to orphan lambs, babysitter to anyones children and postman attacker!

Buster and Harry

4 years ago we decided to adopt another dog from Hope rescue and Harry the lurcher pup entered our home.  They are such different dogs but bring so much joy (and dog hair) into our lives.  I think it's wonderful that Harriet and Hugo will grow up with these boys.

Having pets teaches children responsibility and compassion and definitely encourages an outdoor lifestyle.  Well, if you have dogs like ours that require a long, active, off lead walk twice a day in all weathers then you don't mind anything!

He has been my faithful companion through two babies, a house move and an additional dog.  He is still by my side wherever I go, even toilet trips.  He's still attacking the postman, still not listening out on walks, but still my best boy.

Here's to another 7 years Buster Boo

Victoria 

x

PREGNANCY STYLE

You're pregnant! Congratulations!  Once you are passed that first trimester and the tiredness and the sickness and the hormones then hopefully you can start enjoying the pregnancy.  

You may find it hard to accept your changing body sometimes and I totally get that.  You may well still be exercising and still putting on weight in areas that you feel you shouldn't be.  For me it is my legs.  I've gained weight there on both pregnancies but in my first I swelled quite a lot too.  Please don't worry and do not diet whilst pregnant.  Just eat healthily for you and the baby and do as much or as a little exercise that you feel comfortable with.  You will have plenty of time to get that body back in shape afterwards and for me personally, breast feeding made the extra weight literally drop off.

 

You now have the fun bit of styling the bump!  I know some high street and online retailers now do amazing maternity ranges (thank god) but remember, you will probably only be wearing it for less than a year and maybe only once or twice again if you decide to have more children in the future.  Don't go crazy like me on my first pregnancy and buy literally the whole of the Asos maternity range!!! 

The one thing that you must buy when pregnant is decent underwear!  You don't need to spend a fortune but I would advise getting measured a couple of times throughout as your boobs just won't stop growing and your rib cage will probably expand too.  Non underwired bras are essential and you can get some amazing ones on the high street.  I tend to stick to good old Marks & Spencer as I have quite big boobs which become ginourmous when preggers and I know their will always fit. 

Make sure you get comfy pants too!  Those lacey thongs you usually rock will probably feel like cheese wire after a few months and there is nothing worse than seeing too small underwear digging into a woman's flesh underneath her clothes.  I bought my normal size but in regular, sensible pants and then bought a size larger as my hips widened.  You'll thank me after the baby is born and you have to wear those enormous gross pads!!!!

Lets move on to comfy basics and if you have one, your partners wardrobe.  Whether you are a leggings lover or not, leggings and joggers will seriously be the comfiest thing you can throw on even if you only wear them around the house.  Sometimes we have to switch up our style whilst pregnant because not all of our old favourites are practical.  I'm the crop top queen but I didn't fancy wearing one with my big belly hanging out (think All Saints circa 1998 and Melanie Blatt rocking the cargo pants and crop top with her baby bump!!)  Don't be afraid to raid his wardrobe.  My favourites have been my husbands hoodies and his shirts.  Hoodies are great for everything.  If you feel a bit too casual add a tailored coat or blazer over the top to sharpen the look.  I have also fallen in love with wearing his shirts underneath a jumper with a pair of jeans.  Again, this look is great with heels or trainers.

Look through your wardrobe for bump friendly items.  You'll be surprised what you can still wear well into your pregnancy.  Wrap dresses are great.  You may need to go up a size or two if the skirt section doesn't completely wrap around you, unless you're happy flashing the world whenever the wind blows!  

Any dresses that have an elasticated waist or have an empire line style are winners especially in that second trimester.  None of these dresses are maternity, I have either gone up a size or just pulled the elasticated waist up slightly above my bump.  

If you have loose dresses just add a belt above your bump to synch it in.  Blazers look great over nearly everything so don't be afraid to layer and if you want to wear a heel, add a smaller chunky heel.  Dresses of all lengths look great with trainers too if your feet have started to swell.  So much fun being pregnant isn't it?!?!? 

I have got to the stage now at 33 weeks pregnant that I have had to invest in a few proper maternity pieces.  You can get some amazing pieces online at amazing prices now.  My favourite go to brands for maternity are Asos, New Look and Boohoo.  They always have offers on so check regularly to bag yourself a bargain and happy shopping!

Victoria 

xx

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