THE STYLE DIARIES: MAY MATERNITY WISHLIST

Being pregnant, and growing a huge bump and pair of boobs, shouldn't mean that you lose your style. It's always something I thought about and would look at many maternity sites, options and Instagrammers to see how they were dressing and what my options would be. And although for a lot of the first half of my pregnancy I lived in leggings, I was determined to keep my usual Spring style for the second half.

THE TRAVEL DIARIES: MY FLORIDA DAYTIME STYLE DIARY

Get ready for a few Florida themed posts coming your way! I will try and spread them out with other content as much as possible, but I apologise in advance! I wanted to start with probably the easiest and quickest to put together out of all of them - my style diary from the trip. I have filmed them as well in a What I Wore style, so check that out as well - but for those who prefer it in written form...

THE STYLE DIARIES: AUGUST WISHLIST - FLORIDA EDITION

Just warning you, you may hear and see quite a bit about my upcoming trip to Florida on here, my channel and my socials. I am very excited... Adam and I are going to Orlando Flordia in September over our Anniversary, but it's mainly to celebrate our 30th birthdays. We thought do we put on a big party for everyone, or go away and do something epic... Epic holiday won. 

THE HOLIDAY DIARIES: French Riviera 2019 - What I Wore

 

It's always depressing coming back from a lovely holiday, and being faced with reality. All those things you put on your to do list when you're back and suddenly you have to do them. So much fun. Something I did want to do while I was away was film a what I wore holiday edition, but to be honest - I didn't want to when I got out there. So I thought instead it'd be fun to do a round up of my outfits on here.

THE STYLE DIARIES: June Wishlist - ZARA Special

 

 

It's been FOR-EVER since I've done a wish list on here, but I've found myself almost obsessively browsing high street stores and adding things to my wish lists lately. So, I thought I would start a new little series on here to show what products I'm coveting that month.

The Style Diaries | Spring '19 Trends - The Midi Length



 

I spent half a day swapping over my Winter wardrobe for my Spring items, and I feel like I'm vibing off my wardrobes so much more now. But as I was looking through my current wardrobe, and then did a little (a lot) of online browsing, I found some definite trends that were reoccurring across different high street brands, and my favourite style influencers, so I thought I would pop together a series of posts on my favourite trends, how I'd style them and where you can find the best pieces (in my opinion).

How to Stay Strong & Exercise

I always liked the idea of being someone who enjoyed exercise, and got something out of it - other than pulled muscles and achy limbs. But it just never really happened for me - until recently. After my PCOS diagnosis, and a good couple years of feeling like the fat friend, I feel like I've finally found my trainer clad feet, and I'm finally enjoying exercise.

The Power of Spanx

If you've read previous posts, then you know I've had a little trouble with my weight lately - something I am continually working on. However, one particular problem area of mine that has come up is the lower belly roll - you know the one, the one that says "I love chocolate, cake, crisps and everything bad". The little bugger that just won't go away. Well.... enter Spanx.

 

Treating Myself to Choo

I may have bought myself something quite pricey. Something I wouldn't usually purchase myself, or be able to justify normally. However, sometimes it's okay to treat yourself, and every time I now look at this purchase I think "yes girl, you're awesome" and I feel like a girl boss. So let me explain why...

Transitional Autumn Look Book

You guys know, or you do now, that I love Autumn. It's mainly because my birthday is in November, and you know Christmas isn't far behind, but it's also because of the fashion. I love to cosy up in a good pair of jeans, comfy slouchy jumper, or a cute dress with tights. It's like Lisa fashion prime time. I do love Summer, but I find it so hard to dress for it, and for a girl whose not super skinny or slim, summer fashions don't tend to do me many favours.

 

The Chloe Faye Dupe

I'm going to be honest, I've never been a huge "bag" person. I've never looked at a bag and physically swooned the way I have at a pair of Jimmy Choo's. I can appreciate their beauty, and like all girls a Mulberry wouldn't go unloved, but it's just never been a must for me. However, when bloggers started showing off their Chloe Faye bags I started to pay attention.

 

The Wedding Guest Outfit

It's been a while since I've been to a wedding that I'm not a part of. In the past year I've been to three weddings. The first was my own, so had quite a big part to play with that one, the second was my best friends so had major Maid of Honour duties, but the third was my cousins - and I was just a guest. Which was super nice.

While that was nice, and responsibilities were basically zero, there was then the question of - what on earth do I wear? For mine I obviously had to stick to the norm bridal look, and for my friends I was given a bridesmaid dress. So then I was like - ah! What do I do? After looking through my wardrobe I soon realised there wasn't actually that much I really liked. And the one thing that may have been suitable was blush pink, which I was told at the time was the colour of the bridesmaids to that was a no no. So, I went online and got myself a new dress, and I loved it.

This was a super steal from New Look, for only £15. I KNOW!! It's a bit different to any other dresses I have in terms of the style. It has this super cute halter type neck that comes up high, with a cute little subtle cut out back with a button to it. It clinches me in at the waist (oh there you are waist line) and then flows out to a flattering handkerchief hem. The pattern is beautiful as well, it's this deep red shade (perfect excuse to crack out the Naked Heat palette FYI), with yellow and navy flowers dotted around. A bit different, but super pretty. I teamed it with my wedding Choo's, and subtle gold jewellery accents. I left my hair down with some loose waves running through them, and my make up nice and neutral, focusing more on the eyeshadow than any bold statements.

I was really pleased with the overall look, and this dress has become a quick favourite. But, there is always the question of what is suitable for a wedding. So to help - I popped together my top five guidelines for the perfect wedding day dress, with rules I set for myself to stick to when picking my outfit.

• Don't wear the same colour as the bridesmaids. You don't want to blend with them, or be mistaken for one.
• Keep cleavage to a minimum. The guests are there to see the wedding couple, now your pillow couple.
• Hemlines shouldn't be too high above the knee. Again, you don't want to steal focus by flashing your bum. Plus, if you're like me you'd be constantly pulling it down, bad look for anyone.
• Steer clear of white or black. Obviously this is personal. But for me I didn't want to wear white, because of the bride, and black just isn't a wedding colour.
• Be comfortable. Weddings are long days, so make sure whatever you're wearing you're comfortable in. You don't want anything super tight, super short and straps that fall down.

I hope this has helped anyone who is going to a wedding in the near future! And if you do, remember to have fun!

Much love, Lisa May x

My Summer Accessories

I'm a fan of simple outfits, ones you don't really have to put too much thought into. But sometimes a downside of this is that they can then a bit too simple, or not quite finished. This is where accessories can come into play. I've been loving them this summer, and I have a few favourites so I thought I'd share the love.

Turquoise pairings

I've been wearing this shade, a lot, this summer. Basically - with everything. It goes with so many outfits, including my UO floral Bardot dress, plain white tees and navy. Depending on my mood, and what I'm wearing, I've been pairing this Accessorize statement necklace with this Lola Rose drop down tear. They look beautiful together and they're not too OTT to be considered garish. As a past addition, I pop this Lola Rose bracelet on (matches the necklace perfectly), and the Accessorize earrings to match the statement necklace.

Statement earrings

I haven't really worn earrings too much this past year, I found most of those I owned irritated my ears and it was just easier to let it lie. But, I've loved wearing some beautiful statement ones recently and have found they've really helped to finish an outfit off - especially if I've got my hair in a pony, or my outfit is super simple. These rose gold circle earrings from New Look have probably been my most commonly worn pair as they go with everything. They're super simple, but also really stand out - I've had so many compliments from these. These gorgeous Accessorize lilac drop earrings are so different, they just stand out. I also have the necklace to match (was MIA, and possible hiding in a number of different handbags) and the two together make a real statement. I also feel they're super summery. And then these multi-coloured jewelled drop earrings from New Look are something else. They just go with everything - but I also love to wear them then I'm in a super simple single colour outfit - not so much patterned - as I feel it's where they make the most impact.

Muted tones

When I'm wearing something a little brighter, or I just feel like being quite low key, I love to just throw on some muted tones, generally in the form of a bracelet or long necklace. This black and grey beauty is from Lola Rose, as is the little pink beaded number. And then the gold bracelet and pink drop down stone necklace is good old Accessorize.

These are definitely my favourite accessories right now - a lot are old school and aren't really available anymore (sorry!) but there is still some similar products out there from the same brands. I'd love to know what your current summer accessories are!

Much love, Lisa May x

Being a girl

It's not easy being a girl. First off, you wonder whether you can call yourself a girl - or should you be calling yourself a woman, or lady? Well, I'm not exactly a lady so I'll bypass that one. But whatever you want to call yourself, I think we can all agree it's not always a walk in the park.

I've seen so many bits and pieces online and on the TV at the moment about unrealistic expectations, body image, behaviour and stereotypes, and it really got me thinking. As a woman, you're expected to behave in a certain way, most of the time, and look a certain way - again most of the time. If you're not wearing make up one day, you must feel rough or tired - it's not because you actually just couldn't be bothered that morning because it takes a bit of time to apply it all. If you're wearing trousers to work, or jeans, again - it's that theory that you must be feeling lazy that day, or you're a tomboy and you don't like dresses. Actually, sometimes work trousers can be chicer than a dress, or jeans are just the easiest thing to put on sometimes.

We carry an expectation that we should look made up all of the time - our eyebrows should be "on-point", our hair must be perfectly blow dried, straightened or with the perfect low key wave that actually takes longer to do than straightening, our make up must be flawless - all blemishes covered and all dark circles masked. And our outfits - our outfits must be well thought out, suitable for a lady and reflective of our personality. I'm sorry - but does my husband have to deal with any of this? Um, no, he gets up in the morning, showers - maybe shaves if he fancies it - grabs a pair of jeans and whatever tshirt is on top of his pile and he's ready to do. And that's fine. However, when I get up in the morning and do the same (minus the shaving obviously) then I've obviously had a bad nights sleep, or I'm feeling ill, or I'm just not making an effort.

Not all of us girls want to look, behave or dress the same way. Sometimes, I don't want to put make up on, and I just want to chill in my jeans with my hair in a messy top note (FYI - this is how I'm writing this post as we speak). But then other times, I want to dress like a girl. I want to go out with my friends, put on a pink skirt, fancy lace top, make an effort with my hair and make up and away I go. But I want to have the choice.

I'm not going to lie, I do love making the effort - carefully selecting my outfits and debating the closest shade of lipstick suitable for my outfit. So when I went out with the girls this weekend I decided I would dress like a girl. I would put on my new, pretty pale pink skater skirt, and team it with my lacy embroidered top. Because I wanted to - I chose to. I didn't do it because I felt like I should have to, or I felt like it was the "done thing".

Like I said - it's hard being a girl. Finding the balance between what we want to do, and what we feel we have to do. My advice? Just do what you want. If you want to spend your entire day in jeans, or leggings, with no make up - do it. If you want to dress up and make an effort, for no reason, then do it. If you want to wear trousers, instead of a skirt, why not? And if you want to dress up like a proper girly girl, then carry on. It's your choice.

Outfit details: Top - New Look | Skirt - New Look | Bag - New Look | Shoes - Topshop

What do you feel pressured to look like or wear?

Much love, Lisa May

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The dress that gave me my confidence back

I am not 18 anymore, I do not have the metabolism of a teenager. When I eat an entire bag of chocolate meant to share (seriously, who actually shares these) it’s now going to show somewhere on my body. I do not have the stomach for crop tops. And you know what? I’m completely okay with this.

For a long time I feel like I’ve been holding onto a style that suited my slimmer, size 10 figures. I always had curves, but I was never conscious about how I looked. However, I’m older now. My curves are more pronounced, my body shape has changed and my size has increased. I’m not ashamed to say I’m not a size 10 anymore. Yes, I have days where I wish I was – mainly when I’m trying on products from Topshop – but most days, I’m actually okay with how I am. Yes I do wish my belly was a little bit flatter, I definitely wish my thighs didn’t rub together in the summer, but you know what. Oh well.

I’ve held onto a lot of clothes from my past because I loved them years ago and felt they flattered me then and looked great. They were also the size I was then. But I need to let go of them now. I feel like I’ve finally settled on styles for summer that actually suit my body type, that I’m not uncomfortable wearing or always conscious that I don’t look at stylish as the skinnier girls. I feel like I’ve finally found some pieces that are very “me”, and are very “new me”.

This midi dress is just one of those pieces. I absolutely love the midi style for summer. I always feel really conscious in shorter dresses as I have a large arse, which means they tend to be shorter than they’re supposed to be. Which inevitably means I will likely show my arse off at some point, or I look silly. I don’t have that problem with midi’s. This particular one from Urban Outfitters is the perfect summer day dress. The material is really light and airy, and the fit is perfect. The top of the dress adds something extra chic with the bardot style, and the slit in the skirt makes it a little sexier. There’s so many little extra details that I love, it’s just a very special dress.

I feel like “me” in this dress, and it really is the first piece of clothing in a really long time where I’ve felt comfortable and trendy at the same time. It’s done something to my confidence that I love. I feel sexy, I feel girly and I feel happy. And I feel like I’m finally comfortable in my own skin.

Bravo dress, bravo! Now let's grab all the other colours...

What's your summer style?

Much love, Lisa May

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My Sentimental Pandora Charms

I always think the best gift is something that has a meaning behind it, a small feeling between two people that they'll both appreciate it. It could be a film, a print, photo, or even a piece of clothing. But for me, something that I've always loved getting is charms that mean something. That resonate with some point in my life and bring back a memory. Enter, Pandora. I think this post also comes in handy right about now with Mother's Day approaching in the UK. But today I wanted to share with you some of my favourite charms, and the meaning behind them.

Now, I actually have two bracelets. One is the bangle which I was kindly given this Christmas, and the other is one of their brown leather double bracelets which was very, very kindly given to me one birthday by my oldest friend Beth (aka, prettiest girl in the world). So from the go, my first bracelet (the leather one) meant so much to me. Even without a charm on it, it held a special place in my heart.

But let's break down into the charms themselves... And I apologise now if they're not still available.

MOTHER & DAUGHTER PENDANT CHARM

Quite topical, but one of my all time favourites is this one. My Mum and I picked it up when we were in New York for her 50th birthday, so it brings back so many special memories. But it's also so nice to just have a nice little reminder of her on my wrist at all times. It's a 2-in-1 charm, so you get half and your Mum get half to wear on your own bracelets. It's really very sweet, and it always makes me smile.

PINE CONE CHARM

Apologies, as this one is discontinued, but it's probably my favourite ever Christmas charm that they've released. It's super cute, and was given to me as a birthday present from my older brother one year. I'm not sure why it meant so much to me at the time, but I remember going to visit him in Cardiff the weekend after my birthday and being given this, and it just melted my heart a little. He also gave one to my Mum, so it was another tie to her, and just gave me that Christmas family feeling.

OWL CHARM

Another discontinued one, but they do have alternatives if you're interested. This was given to my by my parents in law, before they came official in laws. My mother-in-law is a massive fan of owls, and for me it's always been a symbol of their family. And I don't know if it was meant to be, but them giving me this owl charm made me feel like I was officially part of the family, before rings and vows and such. It's incredibly cute, and just signifies a big moment for me.

BEST FRIEND BUTTERFLY PENDANT CHARM

I actually bought this as a birthday present for my best friend Amber a few years ago, which is why I love it. It just reminds me of those best friend necklaces you used to get when you were younger and shared it with your BFF. But this is so cute, first of all it has a butterfly so it was always going to win me over, and it's also quite subtle. Again, you get half and your friend gets the other, and it's just a constant reminder of the other. You can still get this one as well - yay!

OPENWORK HEART CHARM

Now, this is the only charm to ever have been purchased for me by my husband. It was a Valentines presenter about 3/4 years ago, and it's just ever so pretty. There are so many different heart charms available for a V-Day, anniversary or birthday, but I just thought this one was simple, wallet friendly and just plain awesome. It's not my favourite charm, but it means something to me as it is the only one I have from him.

MY SWEET PET CHARMS

I got this Christmas before last from my Mum, and essentially it's in memory of our cat George, who was Fred's twin brother but unfortunately got run over 7 months after we picked them up. It was also meant to be an ode to Fred as well, so it's a lovely little memory of George, but also a cute little pick me up about Fred. It's very cute, and very simple. I love the little paw prints on one side and the text on the other. It's a very subtle link to a pet without coming across as too crazy cat lady...

I have so many of my charms that I love, but when I went through them all these were the ones that stood out to me as having pure memories, and pure sentiments. If you are looking for your Mum, they have some beautiful Mother's Day charms available so I'd definitely check it out (no - this post is not sponsored). But I'd also love to know what your favourite charms are...

Much love, Lisa May

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My January Topshop Wishlist

I have vouchers I need to spend. And all three of them can be used in Topshop (the store, annoyingly not online). But what do I spend it on? It's been so long since I've done a big Topshop spree, and I was feeling a little overwhelmed. So, I decided to prep myself and take a look online for some awesome pieces. And what better way to do that, than share them with you?

It's been so long since I've done a wishlist - can I remember how to even do one?! Let's hope so...

I'm a big big fan of Topshop dresses, and some of my favourite wardrobe pieces have come from Topshop. However, I do find that the regular ones tend to come a bit too short, so I like to go for the tall versions. The joys of having a big arse. Anyway, I have fallen a little head over heels for the Eastern Blossom Frill Dress, which has subtle frills coming across the front. I love the pattern, it's long sleeved so perfect for this time of year and actually the perfect dress for work. The colours are so me as well, this is basically my perfect dress. As soon as I see this out and about, no doubt it'll get snapped up by me and thrown in my wardrobe.

Second on my list is this beautiful, comfy, slouchy pale blue Cutabout Ribbed Funnel Jumper. Doesn't it look like the perfect loungabout, Sunday jumper. But this picture totally shows you can also dress it up a bit for work if you want to. I'm so in love with this colour. Blue is literally my favourite colour, but I don't actually have a pale blue jumper in my wardrobe - how has this happened? This is definitely needed. I feel like my wardrobe has a funnel jumper shaped hole in it, and it needs filling ASAP. 

Something I keep telling myself I need in my wardrobe is a leather look skirt, but I just don't know if I can pull it off at the moment. Topshop have so many different colours available, but I am lusting after this black PU Short Pencil Skirt. It looks like it'd be the perfect skirt to wear to the office with a nice shirt, or if you're going out for lunch with the girls you could team it with a nice slouchy jumpy like above, or a more fitted version, which is next on the wishlist. 

Next on the list is an item that I probably wouldn't have looked twice at. But Estee Lalonde posted this picture on her Instagram and I fell so deeply in love. The colour is not something I'd usually choose, but I could see this paired with my black and white checked pencil skirt for work, or tucked into my baggy black and white H&M joggers. It's so versatile, and the sleeves are beauts. I'd definitely pick up the Flute Frill Sleve Knitted Top if I saw it, in any and every colour possible. 

Last on the list is another dress, is something incredibly simple, but would probably turn into a staple in anyones wardrobe. The Trumpet Sleeve Wrap Dress in duck egg is a classic, with a little twist in the sleeves. It could be the perfect date dress, teamed with a leather jacket and heeled ankle boots, or if could be great for work this time of year with some tights and boots, probably a little vest underneath to cover the cleavage. The colour is to die for as well, it's uber cute and would go with every skin tone. 

I can't wait to get down to a Topshop store now and seek out these utter beauties. But let me know if there's anything else you think I should be keeping my eye out for.

Much love, Lisa May

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Pandora Stacking Rings

I was incredibly spoilt for Christmas this year, and I must admit, I had a very Pandora Christmas. Once I opened all my presents the table looked like it was covered in Pandora bags and boxes. I've had a bracelet for a long long time, but I was very kindly gifted some of their stacking rings this year as well, which I've fallen in love with.

Lola Rose Conny Bracelet

There are some moments since I launched this blog where I really have to pinch myself, and I had one of those moments recently. 

What's in my bag: Lulu Guinness Medium Madeline

I don't think I've ever done a "what's in my bag" style post. However, when I opened my birthday from my parents and found the gorgeous Lulu Guinness Medium Madeline bag in it's perfect protective bag, I knew it was time.