Off To The Races

With a slight glimpse of sunshine over the recent bank holiday weekend I can't wait for summer to finally arrive! This means a host of summer events (and a reason to buy a new outfit!) are just around the corner. Royal Ascot is one of the major events in the summer social calendar and style stakes too! Taking place from Tuesday 18th - Saturday 22nd June this year it's a chance to get together with your friends, try your luck on the horses and of course put on your best dress! 

Ascot is renowned for its fashion including the evident faux pas each year. Even with the introduction of stricter sartorial guidelines last year some still don't seem to get it right! In celebration of Royal Ascot I've put together three looks for a day at the races to show it's possible to look good whatever your budget without ending up on the  'what were they thinking' pages in the press or on one of these lists of the worst hats ever seen at Royal Ascot.

Under £100

Blue Broderie Dress - Dorothy Perkins - £38.00

Nude Peep Mid Heels - Dorothy Perkins - £25.00

Fascinator - House Of Fraser - £30.00

For all you budget babes out there who are looking to find a new outfit and still have some money left over to place a bet or two on the day head to the high street to pick up this pretty powder blue scalloped hem dress. Team with a cute pair of nude peep toes and a simple fascinator and you're races ready! 

Under £150

Mesh Embroidered Dress - Warehouse - £80.00

Patent Nude Peep Toes - George at Asda - £14.00

Tate Hatinator - Coast - £50.00

If you have a little extra cash to spend how about a brightly coloured statement dress that'll leave you being snapped for all the right reasons! Style with classic patent nude peep toes and this lavish nude Tate hatinator for a classic look. 

Under £200

Miami Print Jersey Dress - Coast - £95.00

Black High Heeled Platforms - Faith - £39.20

Nelly Hatinator - Coast - £60.00

If you're looking to splash out on an outfit Coast is one of my favourite places for occasion dresses. I love the bold print on the figure hugging Miami wrap dress. Finish with black platforms and the lavish Nelly hatinator for a striking races look! 

Are you going to Royal Ascot this year? 

What's your dream races outfit? 

In association with Ladbrokes

Happy 2nd Birthday Zatchels!

I've long admired Zatchels collection of bags and always pop over for a look at their latest designs when I'm in Liberty. Zatchels make the cutest leather satchels which you can personalise with a special message alongside stylish saddle bags and barrel bags which look ideal for summer festivals! Their bags come in a rainbow of colours including eye catching metallic's. I adore the sweet polka dot collection and of course not forgetting their fabulous Hello Kitty collaboration last year!

Luckily for me (.. and all you other Zatchels fans out there) they're holding a flash sale with 50% discount off all bags in celebration of their 2nd birthday. The 50% off runs until midnight tonight so get your orders in fast! 

With such an amazing discount on offer I felt it was fate telling me to buy one! After much deliberating over which style to go for I've chosen the classic purple leather barrel bag which usually retails at £45.00. I love the shape of the barrel bags and can see it becoming a firm favourite of mine over the summer months. With the 50% discount + £5.99 delivery I've bagged myself one of these beauties for under £30 = happy Caroline! 

Are you a Zatchels fan? 

What have you bought in their birthday sale? 

Introducing... Perry Nelvill

Perry Nelvill is an online boutique offering a one stop shop for you to get your hands on the latest creations from recently graduated fashion and textile designers from the UK.

The concept for Perry Nelvill was developed after witnessing the talent on display at degree shows throughout the UK. The platform supports graduates in making the transition from art school and showcases their designs to an international audience. They are continuously welcoming new designers to the site.

All available at www.perrynelvill.com

The designer's pieces together form a unique creative collective offering bold new collections to the consumer. The store features womenswear, menswear, accessories and printed textiles. Each garment is handmade and can be purchased through the online store.

What's your take on the collections? 

Swarovski Tropical Paradise ... & A Giveaway!

Swarovski's 'Tropical Paradise' SS13 collection takes inspiration from Rio de Janeiro creating a colourful and exotic range of enchanting pieces. In conjunction with the campaign Swarovski have launched their first fashion inspired travel guide featuring numerous exotic destinations inviting you to join them on a tropical journey!

Inspired by tropical forests the 3D beetle pendant necklace sparkles with colourful Swarovski crystals. It comes on a palladium-plated chain. I love how the pendant glistens in the sunshine and the coloured crystals really catch the light. 

With spring looming I ignored the chilly temperatures this weekend and was inspired by the tropical colours in the pendant and the thought of faraway lands to dig out my stash of summer clothes to style this key piece from the collection.

Dress: New Look

Denim Shirt: Topshop

Necklace: Swarovski

I chose a tropical print floral dress to compliment the tropical paradise theme and bright colours in the pendant. Worn over leggings and paired with my favourite denim shirt layered over the top (.. well it is still March!) I felt like summer was on its way!

Swarovski are generously offering one of my readers the chance to win your own crystal beetle pendant necklace! Simply fill in your details below to be in with a chance of winning. The competition closes on Monday 18th March. 

What do you think of the Tropical Paradise collection? 

How would you style the pendant? 

Emma Bridgewater for Comic Relief

British designer Emma Bridgewater has created an exclusive new homeware collection for Red Nose Day 2013. There's aprons, oven gloves, bags and tea towels available online and six different mugs only available in stores.

The items feature the distinctive Emma Bridgewater black text in a series of funny phrases with a red nose designed especially for Comic Relief in keeping with their 'Do Something Funny For Money' theme.

Scone Tea Towel - £4.99

Double Oven Glove - £7.99

Bag For Life - £9.99

The money donated from the range will be used by Comic Relief to help support those in need in Africa and here in the UK.

The Emma Bridgewater for Comic Relief range is exclusively available at HomeSense and TK Maxx

Are you an Emma Bridgewater fan? 

Are you doing anything for Comic Relief? 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

As it's Mother's Day on Sunday here's a selection of some of my favourite gift ideas if you're stuck for what to get to spoil your mum!

1. Beaded Necklace & Earring Set - lola&grace - £49.90

2. Mum is Queen Apron - Emma Bridgewater - £25.00

3. Crabtree & Evelyn Mini Biscuits - John Lewis - £16.50

4. Mumkin Bubble Bar - Lush - £2.75

5. Lunch Bag - Paperchase - £10.00

6. Heart Collage Photo Frame - Next - £16.00

7. Mint Tulip Scarf - Dorothy Perkins - £12.00

8. The Great British Bake Off: Showstoppers - Amazon - £7.59 

9. Sophie Hulme Box Tote - Gift-Library.com - £560

10. Rose Make Up Brush Set - Cath Kidston - £25.00

2/ If you're looking to pamper your mum how about one of these super cute Mumkin bubble bars! They smell of sweet raspberries and are a bargain at just £2.75 each. 

8/ If your mum's a fan of  'The Great British Bake Off' (who isn't?!) their latest book is packed with delicious recipes featured on the show. I need to get round to trying some of these out after receiving the book for my birthday earlier this year!

10/ How about treating your mum to this pretty Cath Kidston rose bouquet Make Up Brush Set housed in a roll case. It's perfect for holidays and weekends away and also features a handy detachable zipped purse to carry any extra brushes in.

What are your plans for Mother's Day? 

London Fashion Week A/W '13 : Rihanna for River Island

It's not my usual idea of a good time on a Saturday night but a couple of weekends ago I was sat glued to my computer awaiting the live stream of Rihanna's highly anticipated collaboration with River Island making it's debut at London Fashion Week. Running fashionably late the models walked out to hip hop beats showcasing the collection.

My first thoughts were that you'd need a body like Rihanna to pull off most of the looks, and secondly with all the thigh high splits did she take inspiration from Angelina Jolie's right leg?!

Cropped tops, a hooded jumpsuit and all the leg flashing might work on the catwalk but it all seemed a tad too hard for the average girl to style on the high street. Alongside the monochrome looks there was a palette of summer brights with oranges, reds and yellows featuring heavily amongst the sheer fabrics.

Images Source

I liked some of her tamer black and white dresses (if only the splits weren't quite so high!) and especially the printed designs with dipped hems but again I just can't see myself wearing them and with it being a collection for the high street it needs to be more accessible in my book! It's unsurprisingly received mixed reviews in the press and although I'm a big Rhi Rhi fan this is one I can't see myself rushing out to buy. 

With her recently announced make up line with MAC it'd seem Rhi Rhi's set for an endorsement takeover. The collection will be available in selected River Island stores and online from tomorrow morning.

What did you think of the collection?
Should Rihanna just stick to making music?!

What They Wore... The Oscars 2013: Best Dressed

It's a little belated but I couldn't let the Oscars pass by without featuring some of the action from the red carpet at the 85th Academy Awards! It was hit and miss for me this year.. I'm looking at you Anne Hathaway (.. was it just me that thought it looked like she was wearing an apron?!) but here's my top 5 best dressed from the night...

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta 

Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture

Adele in Jenny Packham

Catherine Zeta Jones in Zuhair Murad

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen

Images Source

I loved Amy Adams princess style powder blue gown with layers of tulle, it was the perfect choice for the culmination of awards season! Charlize Theron looked super chic in a simple cut white peplum dress. After embracing colour at the Grammys Adele was back in her favoured black. She opted for a glamorous beaded gown from one of my favourite British designers Jenny Packham for the red carpet. I don't think I've ever featured Catherine Zeta Jones before but how could I not include her in this gorgeous gold detailed dress from Zuhair Murad's recent couture collection. Salma Hayek also stood out in this figure hugging black McQueen gown with a high gold embellished neck. 

Who was your best dressed at The Oscars? 

Radley and The British Heart Foundation

Radley have teamed up with the British Heart Foundation for the fifth year running to raise funds during National Heart Month this February. They've released two new limited edition bags to support the charity.

Medium Across Body Pocket Bag - £99.00

Their bestselling across body pocket bag is available in a special red leather design featuring a large stitched heart. It has a cream and red polka dot lining and an inside zipped pocket. 

Medium Printed Tote Bag - £10.00

This specially launched canvas tote bag is ideal for carrying your shopping. The design features the iconic Radley Scottie dogs forming a heart shaped print.

Radley are donating 15% of sales from both bags to the British Heart Foundation. The bags are available to buy in Radley stores and online. They're well priced for Radley fans to treat themselves to whilst supporting this charitable cause.

What do you think of the designs? 

Have you bought either of these bags? 

Northern/Midlands Blogger Meet

As all you northern beauties know there's just not as many opportunities to get together at events up north as there is in London. After chatting with the lovely Rachel we've decided to hold a bloggers meet up which gives us all a good excuse to get together to socialise, shop and enjoy some food and drinks! 

Source

Date:

Saturday 18th May 

Time:

1.00pm onwards

Where: 

Meadowhall in Sheffield. Details on how to get there can be found here

Who: 

All bloggers, be it fashion, beauty or lifestyle! 

Whats's Happening:

Come along and join us for either all or part of the day. We'll keep you updated on the exact venue which we're looking to confirm soon. Meadowhall has a fabulous range of shops (.. which I can't wait to visit!) We'll be providing goody bags and a few surprises along the way! 

Please leave a comment below to let me know if you would like to be added to the guest list. If you'd rather email or if you have any questions don't hesitate to get in touch: carolinescatwalk@gmail.com or you can tweet me @CarolineCatwalk or Rachel @rachel___4

We hope to see you there! x

What They Wore... Grammys 2013

Whilst the BAFTAs were taking place in London on Sunday, LA was awash stars prepping and preening for the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center that evening.

Rihanna was one of my best dressed on the night in this gorgeous custom made red gown by Azzedine Alaia. The wrapped red fabric created a bandage style top whilst layers of material formed a pretty flowing skirt. She wore her ombre hair in loose waves and sported red lips. It was a more conservative style choice from Rihanna compared to some of her outfits but it still showed off her enviable figure! I was so pleased to see Adele on the red carpet wearing something other than a black dress! Her pretty floral frock is from Valentino's recent spring Couture collection. She won the Grammy for 'Best Solo Performance' for 'Set Fire To The Rain.'

Country star Carrie Underwood was another of my best dressed at the awards in this embroidered lace patterned Roberto Cavalli gown paired with a sparkling diamond necklace. She also wore her hair in loose waves. She took home the Grammy for 'Best Country Solo Performance' and 'Best Country Song' for 'Blown Away.' Recent queen of the red carpets Taylor Swift opened the show with an Alice in Wonderland inspired performance of her hit 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' complete with a mock English accent (... a nod to Harry Styles perchance?!) She wore a white Grecian style gown with cutaway metallic detailing by J Mendel with her hair styled in a braided up-do. 

Images Source

Beyonce looked chic in a monochrome Osman jumpsuit styled with peep toe Jimmy Choo's and a geometric print bangle. She wore her hair in a sleek ponytail and opted for bright red lips. Katy Perry flaunted the supposed Grammys strict dress code in a figure hugging mint green Gucci gown from their Resort 2013 collection complete with a revealing keyhole neckline. She's definitely got it, so why not flaunt it?!

Who was your best dressed at the Grammys? 

What They Wore... BAFTAs 2013

There's been so many award ceremonies held over the past few days it's almost hard to keep up! The stars braved the British weather (why don't we hold it in summer so at least there's a chance it might not rain?!) on Sunday evening to attend the BAFTA awards at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. As well as providing a wealth of dresses to lust after the awards are often a good indicator of who might do well at the Oscars later this month!

As ever black dresses were a popular choice on the red carpet. Anne Hathaway was my best dressed of the evening in this gorgeous long black Burberry gown with shining studs. Her cute pixie crop and pink lips finished her red carpet look perfectly. She picked up the BAFTA for 'Best Supporting Actress' for 'Les Mis' from the rather dashing George Clooney! I was also a big fan of Amy Adams's couture gown by one of my favourite designers, Elie Saab. I loved the gorgeous lace and beaded embellishment.

Alice Eve's dress by Alessandra Rich caught my eye with its flame style pattern. Better known for interviewing those walking the red carpet, Laura Whitmore raised the style stakes in this stunning Alexandre Vauthier Couture piece from their 2012 collection. She accessorised the plunging jumpsuit with gold cuffs and bold red lips. 

Images Source

In contrast to the darker gowns on the red carpet I also really liked Jennifer Lawrence's pretty pale pink Christian Dior Haute Couture sequinned gown. Renowned for her unique sartorial choices Paloma Faith rocked up in a sparkling Nicholas Oakwell Couture gown complete with a lavish beehive.

Who was your best dressed at the BAFTAs? 

Who are you tipping to win at the Oscars?

Valentine's Shortbread Hearts

If you're looking for something quick to make as a last minute Valentine's Day treat for tomorrow how about these chocolate dipped shortbread hearts? They're a winner with friends and family too! 

You will need 

• 250g butter
• 110g caster sugar
• 360g plain flour
• chocolate to decorate 

Makes approximately 30 hearts

Method 

• Preheat oven to gas mark 5 / 190C / 375F 
• Beat butter and sugar together until they are smooth 
• Gradually fold in the flour until a smooth dough forms
• Put the dough in the fridge to chill for 20 minutes
• Roll out the dough until it's approximately 1cm thick
• Cut into heart shapes and place onto a greaseproof paper lined baking tray
• Bake for 15-20 minutes
• Leave to cool on a wire rack
• Once cool dip each heart into melted chocolate and leave to set.. then enjoy! 

Are you baking any treats for Valentine's Day? 

Date Night Dresses

Are you stuck for what to wear this Valentine's Day? Fear not, I've put together a selection of some of my favourite dresses suitable for different budgets to help inspire you if you've got a special date this week!


Under £25

Peplum Striped Dress - Matalan - £10.00

Crochet Collar Dress - George at Asda - £16.00

Berry Rose Jacquard Dress - Dorothy Perkins - £24.00

Under £50

Gold Baroque Dress - Fuse Fashion Network - £48.00

Stud Nenoprene Dress - Dorothy Perkins - £35.00

Black & White Lace Dress - Oasis - £45.00

Under £100

Lana Jersey Dress - Coast - £95.00

Pleated Midi Dress - Warehouse - £60.00

Embellished Maxi Dress - Topshop - £79.00

If you're looking for a new outfit and don't have much spare cash to spend don't dismiss the bargains you can find at the supermarket! I love this cute floral crochet collar dress from George at Asda. It'd look super cute styled with a pair of nude Mary Janes. 

The high street is awash with the hottest trends,  I love baroque detailing, studded embellishments and lace panelled dresses. These 3 dresses in the under £50 category are perfect for date night and they're styles I know I'd wear a lot! 

If you're looking to splash the cash Coast is one of my favourite shops for dresses for special occasions. This jersey wrap dress is a wardrobe staple. It features a metallic bronze belt to show off your waist.

Have you got a favourite date night dress? 

Do you prefer to save or splash out on dresses? 

Sweetaholic Charms

The lovely Rachel from Life of a Sweetaholic recently launched her new online shop Sweetaholic Charms selling the cutest charms bracelets.

Rachel kindly sent me two of the bracelets to feature. I chose the silver heart charm on baby pink cotton and the silver butterfly charm on lilac cotton. Both of these bracelets retail at a bargain £1.00 each! 

The standard length of the cotton on each bracelet is 30cm meaning you can trim it to get the perfect fit. You can personalise your bracelet by choosing from white, dark pink, baby pink, teal and lilac waxed cotton. 

As well as the heart and the butterfly charms you can choose from a multi coloured flower bead bracelet featuring five coloured flower beads for just 75p and a cute silver cupcake charm bracelet priced at £1.20. 

I love this style of dainty charm bracelet, they're so easy to wear and look cute worn alone or layered together. The baby pink and lilac coloured cottons really compliment each other and the charms are great quality.

The bracelets would make lovely gifts and with such bargain prices there's no reason not to treat yourself to a few as well! 

Orders are packed in pretty tissue paper and sent via Royal Mail first class. Rachel even includes a sweet treat with each order... which I ate too quickly to photograph! 

Visit Sweetaholic Charms: http://sweetaholiccharms.bigcartel.com

Cupid's Collection

Love it or hate it Valentine's Day is fast approaching so I've put together a selection of some of my favourite Valentine's themed gifts to direct your other half towards.. or spoil yourself with!

1. Rob Ryan His 'n' Her Together Mugs - Wild & Wolf - £17.95

2. Love Heart Ballet Flats - French Sole - £140.00

3. 'The Kiss' Lip Gloss - Lush - £5.50

4. 'I Love You More Than Chocolate' Tea Towel - Emma Bridgewater - £10.00

5. Heart Shapes Toast Cutter - Paperchase - £2.00

6. Limited Edition Sweetheart Tangle Teezer - £12.25

7. Pink Love Hearts Satchel - Zatchels - from £91.00

8. Valentine's Nail Wraps - Nail Rock - £6.65

9. Personalised Chocolate Heart - Thorntons - £3.99

10. Brushed Heart Bracelet - Accessorize - £4.00

2. French Sole are my ballet pump gods and I adore their Love Heart shoes. As well as the stylish leopard print with a glitzy red heart there's also classic patent black pumps with a black glitzy heart and patent black with a leopard print heart. 

7. Zatchels have launched their Love Hearts Collection just in time for Valentine's Day. Choose from their satchels, barrel bags and saddle bags featuring cute heart prints. You can even add a personalised message to your bag for that extra special touch! 

8. These nail wraps from Nail Rock feature love heart sweet designs in cute candy colours. They'd be perfect to wear on your nails on Thursday! 

Will you be sending any Valentine's this year? 

Charmed, I'm Sure

I've long admired charm bracelets and love the idea of collecting charms to represent and remember special events. When the team at John Greed Jewellery got in touch to see if I'd like to review some their Pandora charm collection I jumped at the chance!

I kindly received the woven brown leather bracelet with a sterling silver locking clasp. The bracelet is available in 3 different sizes ensuring you can find the perfect fit. Alongside their traditional silver bracelets they offer woven leather designs starting from just £40.00 in a range of colours which are perfect for bringing a touch of glamour to your daytime look. The leather wrap style has a festival chic vibe and I'm sure I'll be wearing mine all summer long!

I also received the silver open work flower charm made from sterling silver. I love the intricate detail of the floral design and it's the perfect starting point for my Pandora charm collection. The floral charm looks pretty worn alone, that being said I can't wait to add more charms to my bracelet!

There's a vast choice including coloured beads, charms for occasions such as the Valentine's collection, and pendant charms alongside their popular silver and gold ranges. These are some of my other favourite charms available from Pandora UK  

Silver Bows Spacer Charm - £15.00

Silver Embossed Hearts Charm - £30.00

Silver Dangle Pearl Charm - £35.00

Do you have a charm bracelet? 

What would be your ideal charm? 

What They Wore... SAG Awards 2013

The annual Screen Actors Guild Awards took place in LA last weekend celebrating the best from film and television over the past 12 months. 

Navy was a popular colour choice for the red carpet with Amanda Seyfried and Jennifer Lawrence both choosing strikingly similar deep blue gowns for the occasion. Amanda's sweetheart neckline dress by Zac Posen featured a fishtail hem. I loved the glittering diamond Lorraine Schwartz necklace she wore. Jennifer chose a strapless Christian Dior Couture gown also with a short train. For me Amanda's figure hugging dress with the flowing fishtail detail clinches it in the battle between the two! Jennifer took home the award for 'Best Actress' for 'Silver Linings Playbook'. One of my my best dressed on the evening was Nicole Kidman in a midnight blue Vivienne Westwood Couture gown covered in floral appliqué with a thigh high split. Her poker straight hair finished her red carpet look perfectly! 

Not one to shy away from her opinions on the red carpet, host of E!'s 'Fashion Police' Kelly Osbourne was up there with the best dressed on the night in an embellished black Jenny Packham gown. She carried a dazzling Marchesa clutch and wore her purple hair in a glamorous retro inspired up-do. 'Mad Men' actress January Jones stepped out in a dramatic black and white halter gown with a ruffled neckline. Striking smoky eyes and orange lips complimented her look. I loved Jaimie Alexander's structured black dress by Marc Bouwer. She looked sharp and stunning with its figure hugging design and cut out detail. She wore her hair in an up-do to compliment her sleek look. Claire Danes also opted for a black dress on the red carpet with a Givenchy one shouldered creation featuring a geometric monochrome pattern aligning the split. She won 'Best Female Actor In A Drama Series' for her role in 'Homeland'. 

Image Sources: Look & Zimbio

Aside from the favoured LBD's there was as expected an array of glittering gowns. Glee star Jayma Mays stepped out in a shimmering white Georges Hobeika gown from their recent Spring 2013 Couture collection. I love the pretty floral embellishment on its train. 30 Rock's Katrina Bowden was another of my best dressed at the awards in a stunning ice blue Badgley Mischka dress with embroidered detail and a contrasting tulle hem. Adding a splash of colour to the red carpet Nina Dobrev wore a hot pink Elie Saab gown with feminine lace cut outs. She added statement sparkling earrings and an embellished box clutch. 

Who was your best dressed on the red carpet?