My Month: August

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

This month has flown by, faster than any other month this year. Perhaps it was how full it was – we went to CarFest one weekend then away for a week in Cornwall. Or perhaps it was the countdown to Jess & Dan’s wedding which is now only 2 days away. Either way, there hasn’t been a moment for reflection so I’m enjoying looking back at my last days of summer before the new season starts next week.

The shorts I haven’t had off all summer
Summer time gin-drinking
Healthy alfresco eating
Beautiful evening clouds
Making paper poms for the wedding
The spare room coming together with hints of coral.
Our view from the house in Bude that we stayed at
Clifftop and beachfront walks on the north Cornwall coastal path
Bodyboarding with Pete
A day out in Padstow (more to come!)
Dressing for dinner in coral and peach
The perfect bank holiday lie in…
Sweet Peas from the allotment
My favourite summer shirt (from Monsoon)
A rare moment of peace on holiday, enjoying the sunset on the beach.

How was your August readers?

Monday Must have: The outfit saver top.

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

There are a few things that I think everybody needs in their wardrobe. Items you will come back to time after time and save you from any sartorial dilemma. A great go-everywhere dress would be one of them, a pair of killer animal print heels and a black leather jacket but right up there on the list is a special white top.

I bought this one before my honeymoon and have worn it countless times since. It’s simple with just enough detail to elevate it slightly from a plain shell top and works equally well with a pair of jeans, as a statement skirt.

The reason it’s a wardrobe saver however is that it rescues so many other items that might otherwise never see the light of day. Being neutral it can be worn with any colour, and always works with those new printed trousers, or that bright skirt that you don’t have anything else to go with. Even better, if you have an interview, throw on a jacket and it looks polished too.

Having been on the look out for a replacement for a while, I spotted this one in Topshop a few weeks back and snapped it up. At a mere £40, the beading looks Jenny Packham worthy and the back detail is interesting without being overtly sexy. The only problem I had was finding a bra to work with it, and I ended up going for a multiway from M&S that worn strapless, had an adaptor that wound the back strap around my waist under the cutout back.

This one doesn’t work that well tucked in, hence me leaving it out, (because of the cut out,) but I wasn’t going to leave it there just for that reason. It’s going to be a real wardrobe workhorse and I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot more of it here.

Have you got a favourite top that you wear again and again?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

*Unfortunately this top is no longer available online, but if you happen to be pregnant – the maternity version is still around and a good investment I think to take you right through to the Christmas season, if you have that long to go!

What to Wear: The perfect summer short

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

You might have noticed we’re having a bit of a holiday theme this week as I’m currently in Cornwall enjoying the sea views. Today I wanted to share something that made me ridiculously happy, the perfect summer short. Like many of my outfit posts, I’m not claiming that this is revolutionary or super stylish, but it’s been a good few years since I have found a pair of shorts that feel flattering, are just the right length and really comfortable so I thought you guys might be interested.

Of course, they’re from good old Gap and actually a touch longer than they appear on me, as I have turned them up an inch. I do have some denim cut offs but they are in the realms of cheek skimming which is not a look I would sport anywhere other than in my own garden, or perhaps on holiday far far away. I really dislike the very top part of my legs and whilst I have slimmed them down a bit and toned up (courtesy of the 30 day shred) I still prefer them well covered. These shorts are the perfect length to show off enough leg that it’s flattering, and no more!

There are a ton of colours available, although you might have to track them down online (or as I did, in the GAP outlet – These cost me just £10) and I was also pretty pleased to finally add some mint to my wardrobe. I love mint but it doesn’t love me and looks pretty bad next to my face. Here’s a top tip if you have a similar shade predicament – wear it on your bottom half and away from your face, it’s much more flattering.

The shorts are also stretchy and give a little for a slouchy fit with no unattractive digging in when you sit down. Run, don’t walk reader, I hope you can track some down!

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Friday Frock O’clock

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

Another Friday, another perfect summer frock…

ETHNIC STYLE DRESS, MANGO £29.99

This weekend I’m taking Pete to CarFest – he is obsessed with cars, old and new, so it was a good birthday present for him when I was stuck earlier in the year. I’m looking forward to watching The Feeling in the evening and eating lots of festival food. So when I spotted this dress, I had festival style on my mind and I can’t think of anything more perfect to wear with boots or wellies, a throw on raincoat and cross body bag. I love the ikat-esque print and blue is a real staple in my wardrobe, all for under £30!

What are you doing this weekend readers? I hope you’re planning a good one wherever you are.

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Big Summer List

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

I intended to write this post last week and schedule it for the summer solstice and official first day of summer. Unfortunately, then and as I write it feels like we have entered a time machine back into the everlasting spring we had a few weeks ago and summer once again seems far away. I have it on good authority however that the weather is about to improve and with that in mind I’m starting my quarterly tradition of planning the season ahead. It’s tempting at this point to listen to naysayers proclaiming that the days are getting shorter already, but in actual fact we have 3 (hopefully) glorious months ahead so lets make some plans!

Watching my best friend get married and helping her put the final touches to her wedding
(Hopefully) pulling off an amazing hen do for the afore-mentioned Bride
Finishing our spare bedroom for my sister to move into in 1 months time.
Cooking more salads and eating more fresh fruit.
Taking long walks through Chorlton water park and the Mersey Valley discovering hidden paths, fields and glades.
Enjoying our festoon lights in the garden as the nights draw in (one advantage to the nights getting shorter!)
Officially starting my new job next month
Planning a picnic and lazing in the grass somewhere watching the sky – because I haven’t been on one for years.
Continuing to enjoy the David Austin roses in our garden.
Experimenting with summer cocktails – watch this space!
Planning a camping trip, even if only for a night to totally unplug and relax.

Now it’s your turn, share you summer plans and dreams readers…

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS!

Last years Big Summer List
Seasonal Summer florals for your home
If you’re thinking about overhauling your outside space, here’s how to plan your garden
And finally… what did you manage to tick off from your Big Spring List?

Spotted! Whistles Sale!

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

Up to 50% off at Whistles

Ok ladies, the sales are getting into full swing now. Whistles started today and Harvey Nichols yesterday, (the higher end stores are always amongst the first to start their sales) so expect more to follow. I am keeping a list of all my potential favourites that I’m saving for the sale on Pinterest, but in the mean time here are my top picks for Whistles

Happy Shopping and pop back at 12pm for today’s main post

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Spotted: & Other Stories

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

Last week when I was in London I wandered down Regent Street and passed & Other Stories, the new-to-the-UK store by H&M and COS. Any of you interested in fashion will have already heard the hype but now I have experienced the store and collection for myself I feel ready to share it here.

Hands up, although I love the aesthetic of COS, it’s usually the accessories I’m more drawn to and that was exactly the same in & Other Stories. Although it’s supposed to be a midway point price wise between H&M and COS, I found that applied to the fashion, but not the accessories. That said, the quality was fantastic and I felt the bags were worth to £65 for a large clutch or £100 for a leather bag. Shoes were similar with leather flats from £45 ranging up to around £100 for more detailed heels or wedges.

Accessories were similarly covetable with chunky stylish jewellery to give everyday outfits a fierce touch and price points were lower here.

However, by far my favourite aspect of the store was the beauty department. Stocking some Scandinavian brands alongside their own body range and extensive make up selection (which had a brilliantly wide colour range for darker skins,) the best bit was the way you could try everything. Stools sat in front of mirrors with clean brushes and make up remover for you to try every shade and product available from foundation through to eyeshadows and lipstick. Even better, next to the bath and body products were two huge sinks, running water and paper towesl so you could try them too – Such a brilliant idea that makes you so much more likely to make a purchase if you’re confident in your selection. Eye shadows were £7, lip colours £12 and face bases £15.

Overall, I’d say it’s more of a buy in person store for me, but if you like any of the (leather) shoes and bags and decide to order online, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the quality and finish.

So readers, have you been? Do you want to?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Spring Series: Accessory Alert

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

Part of spring for me is getting ready for warmer weather. The seasons and good weather are so unpredictable here in the UK that I hate to miss out on unexpected warmer days because I didn’t have my summer items on standby. Most people have summer clothes hanging around ready to be worn, but a few well chosen accessories can have you covered in all situations, season ready and raring to go.

First up choose a hat, not only will your skin thank you for it, but in one form or another, they’re going to be big this year. Fashionista’s are wearing a baseball cap with city tailoring, but for more casual everyday wear choose a big straw floppy hat for seventies chic.
Pick up some inexpensive sunglasses early in the season and keep them in your bag. Nothing says spring time sunshine like that feeling you get wearing your favourite pair. I’ll be investing in some Ray Ban Aviators, plus some fun coloured Wayfarers (all ASOS)
Go big or go home. Chunky jewels never go out of style and appeal to the colour crusher in me. J.Crew makes the ultimate examples but ASOS has some great styles (Floral Bug Necklace) for a lot less. Use them to brighten your outfit when the weather fails you.
Bags get less structured and a whole lot more fun come the summer months. Again, choose neon brights to punch things up or look for relaxed fabric styles for a boho vibe.
Time to polish up that pedicure as its time to bare your toes. Choose some trend led budget flats and save the cash to splash in a pair of longer lasting classic wedges.

What are your must have’s for summer?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Spring Series: Wardrobe Transitions

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

One of the hardest things about this time of year is trying to dress appropriately. I always find myself desperate to try new trends and don spring-like shades, but when the weather is unpredictable there’s nothing worse than being caught in a hailstorm wearing pastels with drenched feet in impractical ballet flats.

Nonetheless, I have figured out a few ways to keep me happy by buying a few key items that merge seamlessly with my winter staples but blend into spring. Here are my must-haves and tips to wear them now and later.

It’s no coincidence the majority of these picks are from GAP, they play a blinder every spring with brights and stripes – perfect for your spring wardrobe and the price is always right with sales and spring discounts. I also used navy as my key basic neutral as I have tons of it, but you can switch for your preferred neutral, just make sure to adjust the colours you choose too.

Jumper, jeans, tee and scarf, all GAP // Bertie Aztec ballet flat. // Gold Brogues, ALDO

My key spring wardrobe update is a pair of coloured skinny jeans. I chose coral (this pair is rather fabulously named ‘neon flamingo’,) because it’s pretty and bright and works really well with winter neutrals. Team it with a grey or navy winter woolly now and a breton striped tee later.
Everybody needs stripes in their spring wardrobe, but they’re often of the t-shirt variety and when there’s a nip in the air they might not be sufficient to keep you warm. If the budget stretches buy a tee and look out for a knit too. Wear a tee under your parka while it’s cold and switch for your jumper as it warms up a little. You can layer this one up now with your regular jeans (I bought the coral stripe to wear with my usual dark wash jeans, but the navy works brilliantly with these coral skinnies,) and later on the beach with a pair of denim cut off shorts.

Scarves, Zara

Pick up a bright scarf or belt. The best investment you can make, you can wear a scarf in new season colours or prints with everything from a big coat now that you’re tired of your winter scarf, right through to layered with a light jacket or vest in warmer weather. Choose brights or tribal and ikat inspired patterns to stay on trend.
Lastly, pick out some fun shoes. I snapped up these gold brogues (in the Aldo sale now) for when it’s colder and I want to keep my toes covered up, and also a pair of pointed suede effect ballet flats in the Dorothy Perkins mid-season sale with 30% off for a smarter look on warmer days and work.

Have you picked up any transitional pieces yet this spring?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Triple Temptation: Yellow Coats

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

Head turned: Coated Cotton Parka, ASOS £55 // Second Glance: Tutorat coat, Petit Bateau at Atterley Road £126 // Love at first sight: Boat Jacket, Superdry £99

I’m debuting a little mini-feature today, Triple Temptation. I often spot similar items that I love, at different price points and often with small distinguishing features that make one so much more covetable than another. So I have decided to group them and share the love as they crop up.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted a yellow coat, specifically for spring showers. It just seems so suited to the cheerful mood that a bit of spring sunshine brings and of course retains its cheer when the sun goes in and rain inevitably takes over. Rainproofing would be an added bonus.

Do you wear a rain coat?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS Thanks to Jessie at Sweet Thing for the post inspiration.